RealGM

Shumpert has clearly lost a lot of confidence and has looked pretty bad all year. I think it would he would be way more useful if Lue started him and brought in Smith as 6th man. I think this would work better because Smith is already a confident scorer and has been a 6 man of the year, not to mention gives the second unit a boost. Also I think playing with the starters will give Shumpert much more confidence.

Nah smiths spacing and shooting is needed next to lbj.

JR starting will give GS a big problem in a potential Finals matchup, especially if he is hitting his shot ad a decent percentage.

GS will basically have to put Curry on Kyrie, no way they are going to have Curry chase JR and fight through screens all game. Klay will be on JR, which is a much more difficult assignment than Shumpert.

I think the best way to neutralize GS's backcourt is to make them run on defense. Most teams just get down early and are always fighting from behind so they jack up bad shots and don't run good offense and pace.

Plus, 2nd unit doesn't need any help. Frye, Jefferson, Delly, Shump are a solid 2nd unit when put around one of the big 3 and don't need another spacer on offense.

Being a NY fan, I'm curious what you guys thought of how Shumpert and JR played in the series. JR had his moments I guess but Shump... he has slipped off and I'm being kind.

Congrats - Happy for your State!

I think the workload of Shump having to guard Klay and curry was just taxing. he didn't suddenly become an incompetent offensive player. I commend him for his effort and going into next season he needs to be thinking that he should be in starter level shape - meaning, play defence at an elite level and STILL be able to score.

If shump accepts his role and doesn't do anything on offense besides shoot corner 3s I'd be fine starting him. But if he still wants to dribble and drive inside there's no chance I'd start him. He's horrendous when he tries to do too much.

He's hurt. Likely going to need surgery in the offseason. Same story with a couple of other guys actually.

TheGameWinner wrote:I think the workload of Shump having to guard Klay and curry was just taxing. he didn't suddenly become an incompetent offensive player. I commend him for his effort and going into next season he needs to be thinking that he should be in starter level shape - meaning, play defence at an elite level and STILL be able to score.

Thanks for the comments all.

I remember Shump pre-injury, he was a TERROR on the defensive end. The injury took away his incredible lateral movement but his long arms and quick hands still carry him imo. Guy was on his way to being DPOY pre injury imo.

Glad he is playing good defense. I was wondering if he had much to do with Clay or Curry shooting bad in the series.