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Opinion: The Sacramento Kings Need Defense From Iman Shumpert

By John Kelly

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings need a new defensive leader. Can Iman Shumpert be the guy that takes over that role?

After the trade that sent Garrett Temple to the Memphis Grizzlies, it left a void on the Sacramento Kings’ roster. Temple was the Kings’ best defender as well as a veteran leader on and off the floor. So who is going to take his place? Iman Shumpert is the perfect player to fill Temple’s shoes.

Coming out of college, Shumpert was known for his defense. Even though he led the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in scoring, rebounds, and assists, Iman also holds the record for steals per game as well.

Will Shumpert be in the starting line-up.

Shumpert has a good chance of playing a lot of minutes this season if he is completely healthy. But it is unknown whether Dave Joerger opts to start Iman or have him come off the bench.

One thing is for sure, Iman will be on the floor anytime the Kings need defense. Iman’s reputation as a defender speaks for itself, and if Iman is unable to fill the role of the defensive leader, then who will? Someone has to defend the elite guards that are on every team, and Shumpert has proven in his past he can handle his own.

What position will Shumpert play for the Kings?

Iman is listed as a shooting guard, but he does have experience playing small forward. For Shumpert to be the most effective for Sacramento, playing small forward should be his position. The Kings could need him there if Justin Jackson cannot be consistent. Shumpert can play both guard positions as well as point-forward.

Multi-position players are what the Kings look for in anyone who the team believes could be a core guy. Iman is exactly the type of guy the Kings want. At 28 years old, he is not a rookie anymore but still young enough to play for many more years.

What is Shumpert’s future with the Kings?

Right now it is unclear. Iman could be a major piece of the “New Kings”, or he could be gone as quick as this year. Shumpert needs to find his niche with the team, as the coaches will be looking to see who steps up and who fits in with the core group.

With a lot of positions up for grabs for whoever can deliver on a consistent basis, the player who should worry about his spot is Justin Jackson. If Shumpert plays really well, Justin could see his playing time go down. The Warriors are built with players who can play many positions. They are a pretty good team last time I checked. So the fact that the Kings are getting these type of players can only make the team better.

The final conclusion about Shumpert.

If Shumpert plays defense along with being a versatile athlete, he is an asset for any team. Shumpert is the only player on the Kings with a championship title to his name. Also, it proves he knows what it takes to win and how hard one has to work to get there. Iman needs to be a lockdown defensive player while doing all the little things that can help his team win.

The Kings’ version of Draymond Green? This would make the trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers a steal for Vlade Divac.

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