Sacramento Kings: Iman Shumpert Is Embracing The Culture, Veteran Role

The Sacramento Kings have been a solid team this season, which is a surprise to many. Another pleasant surprise has been the commitment that one of their veteran players has made towards the franchise.

Prior to this season, the Sacramento Kings have not been an attractive landing spot to many players. The team was losing and had a dysfunctional reputation which caused free agents to steer away from the team and possible draft picks to pray their next journey was not in California’s capital.

But now better days are ahead. The Kings have a young and exciting team that looks to be on the rise, and one of the own veteran players seems to embrace the rejuvenated culture.

The Perfect Veteran

SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 1: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 and Iman Shumpert #9 of the Sacramento Kings talk during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 1, 2018 at Golden 1 Center 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

That player would Iman Shumpert who was acquired by the Kings last season via trade. Since being traded to Sactown, Shumpert has immediately bought into what Vlade Divac and company are striving for, and his actions on social media have proven this notion. He has talked about how joining the Kings has been good for him. He also has been engaged with the team’s community and even has come up with a nickname for the team “The Scores” referencing their high-powered offense.

Final Thoughts

Like I mentioned, not a lot of players would have the Sacramento Kings at the top of their list of teams they would like to join. I do not know where the Kings were on Shumpert’s list, but his actions are showing that he is thrilled to rock the purple and white.

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Not many players in their prime age would like to play for a team that is rebuilding, but Shumpert is a different cat. Whether it is helping out his young teammates or being an asset on the court, Iman is doing what he can to make sure that the Kings’ rebuild is heading in the right direction.

What more can you ask from a veteran player?

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