Iman Shumpert is an American professional basketball player who has had a distinguished career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected by the New York Knicks with the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft and went on to play for the Brooklyn Nets.
Shumpert's professional journey began with the New York Knicks, where he was drafted in 2011. Despite a promising start, he suffered a knee injury that prevented him from participating in the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest. Shumpert finished fifth in the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year voting, receiving 33 total votes and one first-place vote from a ballot filled out by 120 writers and broadcasters from across the country.
He was also the only rookie to receive votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award, demonstrating his impressive defensive skills on the court. Shumpert's performance with the Knicks led to him being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015, where he made his debut on January 23, recording 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in a 129-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Cavaliers went on to make it to the 2015 NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. Shumpert's time with the Cavaliers was marked by impressive performances, and he played an important role in the team's success.
In 2018, Shumpert was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade that also involved the Utah Jazz. Although he did not play for the Kings during the 2017-18 season, he opted in for the final year of his contract on June 8, 2018.
Shumpert's next move was to the Houston Rockets, where he was acquired in a three-team trade involving the Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings. He played for the Rockets for a brief period before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in November 2019. However, his time with the Nets was short-lived, as he was waived on December 12.
Outside of his basketball career, Shumpert has explored his passion for rap music. In 2012, he released the song "Knicks Anthem" and the mix-tape Th3 #Post90s. He also released the song "Dear Kendrick" in response to Kendrick Lamar's verse in the song Control by Big Sean in 2013.
Shumpert's music video for his single "Chiraq" garnered significant media attention due to its eccentric visuals. His foray into rap music showcases his creative side and talent beyond the basketball court.
