Another player is joining the injury list of the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the 2017-18 NBA season. On Wednesday, Iman Shumpert injured his left foot in the Cavaliers' 109-93 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The shooting guard got hurt because of the way he landed after a botched dunk attempt.
According to ESPN, Shumpert will undergo "medical imaging" today. Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue remains positive regarding the matter. "We won't know until tomorrow morning, but I think he should be OK," Lue stated following their defeat to the Hawks.
Shumpert came off the bench for the Cavaliers and was on the floor for around 2 minutes versus the Hawks.
He shot 0-of-2 from the field and registered only one rebound. It is likely that he will be out for the team's upcoming practices and preseason contests just like LeBron James. The franchise's superstar has been resting since last Wednesday after rolling his ankle during training camp.
Bad timing
The injury came at an unfortunate time for Shumpert, who aims to prove his worth to Cleveland and secure a role with the squad this preseason. As of the moment, there is a possibility that he would fail to make it to the final lineup. Shumpert is trying to get a roster spot as a shooting guard. Joining him at the position are Dwyane Wade and J.R. Smith. There is no way that the Cavaliers will cut either Wade or Smith.
Wade was one of their most prominent additions during the offseason. The three-time NBA champion signed with them in late September after completing a contract buyout with the Chicago Bulls. Smith, on the other hand, is a starter since he joined the organization.
A quick recovery is what Shumpert must target if he wants to improve his chances of staying in Cleveland.
The 27-year-old would be unable to impress Lue and the coaching staff if he is on the sidelines.
Potential role
If Shumpert successfully survives the cut before the season, he is expected to be the Cavaliers' last option at the shooting guard position. Wade and Smith are currently the ones competing for the starting duties. Whoever loses will be the second-stringer.
Shumpert is no stranger to coming off the bench for Cleveland. It has been his job since he and Smith got traded to the franchise by the New York Knicks in January of 2015. The former 17th overall pick (2011) has played well as a member of the Cavaliers' second unit, though his inconsistency is a lingering problem.