Brooklyn Nets: Implications of signing Iman Shumpert

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent G-F Iman Shumpert. What are the implications of this signing?

As of today, the Brooklyn Nets signed G-F Iman Shumpert.

The Nets’ need for defense in the backcourt intensified when Caris LeVert sprained his thumb on November 10th. As he awaits further testing on the severity of his thump sprain, LeVert currently doesn’t have a timetable to return and will miss additional time once again during his four-year career.

After ten games, the Nets stand at 4-6, so a need to improve the team’s overall defense that hasn’t been up to par this season must be prioritized immediately.

Currently, the Nets are in 6th in offensive rating (110.31) and 26th in defensive rating (112.44), the Nets are on opposite ends of the offensive and defensive rating spectrums, producing a  -2.13 net rating; furthering their need of another defensive specialist who can play both guard positions and stretch to the small forward slot when needed.

Shumpert’s nine-year career on four different teams is highlighted by being a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic championship in 2016. His career averages are 7.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 steals, 39.3 percent from the field, 34 percent from beyond the arc, 76.6 percent from the charity stripe, in 25.2 minutes a game.

But now on his fifth team, will Shumpert make a difference? The Nets were allowed to fill their final roster spot because of Wilson Chandler‘s suspension, so will Shumpert use the month he has to earn a spot on the roster for the remainder of the season?

The time is now to show that his defense-mindedness will propel the Nets into winning more games (through defense) without continually relying on the offense Kyrie, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, and Taurean Prince provide on a nightly basis.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/13/2019.

As Kyrie’s former teammate, this signing must have had some of his influence. But will Shumpert provide more than David Nwaba has? Both guards are almost identical in athleticism, defense, and shooting ability while producing similar career numbers. Even Garrett Temple‘s stats are identical to Shumpert and Nwaba’s career numbers, which will make this an even more exciting competition between the three guards for playing time.

One aspect of Temple’s game that is more useful over the younger guards is that he is a more reliable and willing three-point shooter, which will undoubtedly continue influencing Coach Atkinson’s decision to start him moving forward.

If Shumpert can revitalize his career at twenty-nine-years-old and stick around for at least another year on the Nets, he will be competing for a championship again on another franchise in desperate need of one in New York.

Final thoughts

As LeVert’s return remains unknown, Kenny Atkinson will have to rely on his current guards and forwards to put up an improved defensive effort than they have shown thus far.

At his best, Shumpert’s impact on the defensive end and being a reliable knockdown shooter from beyond the arc will improve the Nets’ depth moving forward.

The Nets certainly need more defense, preferably from 3-and-D players, if they want to remain in the playoff hunt consistently.

Signing Shumpert shows that they are prioritizing improving their depth and defense at the shooting guard position.