New Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Iman Shumpert is officially listed as questionable for tonight's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Shumpert and the team were hoping he could make his debut with the team tonight, but now it's a distinct possibility that it won't happen.
Shumpert was acquired with J.R. Smith in a three-team trade from the New York Knicks, but hasn't played since December 12 due to a separated shoulder. He did not speak with reporters following shootaround on Friday morning.
"Guy's been out six weeks, so let's not make too much of it," Cavs All-Star LeBron James said. "Whenever he decides to get back on the floor, it's going to be an adjustment for him, more than it is for us. It doesn't matter how long you've been playing basketball, you take that much time off you're going to be a little rusty, there's going to be some things out there you don't feel comfortable with."
Smith has been starting for Shumpert since the trade, and worked with the starters at shootaround.
Shumpert is averaging 9.3 points and 3.4 rebounds so far this season, but the main reason he was acquired was for his wing defense. He is expected to take over the starting shooting guard role when he returns, with Smith being the sixth man.
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