Sacramento Kings: When Do You Take Iman Shumpert Out Of The Rotation?
Jan 14, 2019; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Iman Shumpert (9) reacts after a basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Image Source: CBS Sports
Iman Shumpert is in a terrible slump. His presence on the Sacramento Kings has been a catalyst for the team’s success. However, he’s been one of the worst shooters in the NBA as of late. It’s time for Dave Joerger to consider him for the second unit.
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been lights out as the Kings 6th man. If Sacramento had another shooter to come off the bench, you can bet anything Bogdanovic would be a starter. The Kings don’t have that, and need him to come off the bench. Shumpert isn’t making anything easy, though.
Instead of Bogdanovic staying on the bench to lead the second unit, he might need to be inserted into the starting lineup to replace Shumpert. He’s been a huge disappointment on the court as of late. The guard from Georgia Tech hasn’t looked like an NBA player at all. Despite his role as locker room leader, Shump’s costing the Kings games.
Going back to Kings Win against the Hornets on January 12th, Shumpert hasn’t shot the ball above .385 from the field. He’s had 4 games of a .222 field goal percentage or lower. These percentages are detrimental to a teams ability to win games.
Anyone in Sacramento will tell you how much of an influence Shumpert has been. This doesn’t excuse him from a bad play. Dave Joerger has no intent to remove Shumpert from the starting role.
Shumpert has changed the culture in Sacramento. His leadership has kept the Kings together. There’s going to come a time where he’ll need to either improve his shooting or take a seat. Regardless of what you mean to the team, if you’re not producing, there’s no need for you. Shumpert can be used as a defensive specialist.
Iman Shumpert is a veteran. He’ll understand being benched. The Kings need him to be effective. Bogdanovic really helps the second unit, and taking him off won’t yield the best results. Shumpert can’t let these struggles become the norm. He can work his way through it, but at what point does Joerger say, “enough is enough?”
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
