NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Get Back Iman Shumpert, Kyrie Irving; LeBron James Excited for All-Star PG's Return

By Mitch de Leon
Iman Shumpert
Cleveland Cavaliers star Iman Shumpert stayed with the Cleveland Cavaliers despite JR Smith's departure. Reuters

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been trying to fend off other NBA teams from taking over their top spot in the Eastern Conference this season. With the absence of All-Star athletes like Kyrie Irving from the roster, LeBron James is left with no other choice but to take on more responsibilities. Even Tristan Thompson and JR Smith are stepping up for the vacated slots. While Irving remained absent in the game against the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed back Iman Shumpert.

The return of the shooting guard to the hardwood court has been long overdue for Cleveland Cavaliers fans. Throughout the season, Shumpert has been vocal in his eagerness to finally get back and help his basketball squad. With King James refusing to lessen his minutes due to his desire to win all games, the former Miami Heat star would need all the backup possible. Hence, the return of Shumpert could not have come at a more perfect time.

"Shump certainly adds a depth to our team," shared James, according to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com. King James went on to share, "He adds some experience to our team. So whenever he's available, it's going to be good for our squad."

The return of Shumpert was not a surprise, though. According to David Blatt, the NBA star has been working nonstop to remain in tiptop shape. He added that Shumpert has been religiously following his rehab routine to hasten the process.

"He kept working and working and really kept himself in great physical shape," revealed Blatt of Shumpert in a separate Cleveland.com report. The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach added, "He worked on his left hand. He's been chomping at the bit here for a while because he wanted to come back sooner than we allowed him to due to the protocol for the type of injury he had. But it looks like he hasn't missed a beat."

James' comments further proved the tenacity of Shumpert. King James shared, "Shump was great. He looked like a guy who didn't miss a beat. I know he was extremely excited, and he played exceptionally well. He had great rhythm, coming back off an injury like that to his shooting hand. He was very aggressive, got in the lane, made threes, very aggressive defensively and we needed that from him. We're happy to have him back."

For his part, Shumpert described his debut this season as "great." The shooting guard ranked in 14 points as well as three rebounds for the 24 minutes he stayed in court. He commented, "Man, it was all worth it, though. All the work, all the extra workouts, the extra running, all the trash-talking to my teammates trying to force them to go at me to get me ready for this moment. It definitely feels good to be back in the swing of things." The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 111-76. 

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories