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New York Knicks: Iman Shumpert Ready To Go For Preseason Opener?

By Michael Saenz

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Apr 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (21) drives to the basket during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks defeat the Chicago Bulls 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert believes that he’s ready to play in their preseason opener, Derek Fisher thinks otherwise

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New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert believes that he’s ready to play in the team’s preseason opener Saturday against the Boston Celtics in Hartford, CT. Although, his coach may have other plans.

Shumpert is recovering from a hamstring issue that has caused him to miss practice time this week. First-year New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher has been going the cautious route with Shumpert and his injury, and will continue down that road through the team’s preseason opener.

The only problem with that is Shumpert wants to play. He doesn’t want to be “cautious.”

"[via Shumpert wants to play through new injury; New York Knicks not so sure — New York Post]“I was telling Shump earlier, for eight months we have to be at our absolute best,’’ Fisher said. “It’s a long season. We can’t rush trying to be so excited for the start of the season.’’“For sure, we’re not going to risk any player to hurry up to be ready for Wednesday.’’Shumpert, in the final year of his rookie contract, is aiming to play in the preseason opener. The Knicks will also face the Celtics Saturday at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.“I believe I‘m playing,’’ Shumpert said. “I would hope so. I don’t want to sit out all these practices and not play. That’s why I’m sitting everything out so I can get some game action.”"

Shumpert is eligible to receive a contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline. Though, if he and the New York Knicks can’t agree on an extension, he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.

Of course, it’s easy to see why Shumpert may be eager to return to the court — in preseason. He wants to prove to the New York Knicks that he’s worthy, and deserves, an extension prior to the deadline.

Although, it might be in the best interest of Shumpert — and definitely the team — to take this new hamstring issue a bit more seriously.

The New York Knicks don’t have gobs of talent throughout their roster. The last thing that they need is to lose one of their good ones — Shumpert — for a significant time simply because he wanted to play in a preseason game.

I don’t believe sitting out one preseason game will do much harm, if any, to Shumpert. And neither should he.

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