NBA Finals Preview: Shooting Guard

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts with guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the third quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Iman Shumpert (Cleveland Cavaliers) 

Shumpert doesn’t possess Smith’s offensive firepower, but he is an otherwise perfect fit for the Lebron-led Cavs. Outside of maybe LeBron in small spurts, Shumpert is the Cavs best perimeter defender.  He will likely shift back and forth between Steph and Klay during his time on the floor.

Shumpert is especially effective at guarding the 3pt line, as opponents have shot just 28.3% against Shumpert from behind the arc during these playoffs. The Warriors make it difficult to take away the 3pt shot, running both Steph and Klay off a multitude of screens, finding shooters from offensive rebounds and transition offense.  Shumpert will have his hands full attempting to slow down not only two of the NBA’s best shooters, but also two of the best at finding space and quickly getting their shots off.

Although Shumpert was brought in primarily as a defensive specialist, he also suits a LeBron centered attack perfectly on the offensive end.  No one in the league is better at getting into the middle of the floor, attracting the defense, and finding open shooters than LeBron.  Shumpert has taken full advantage when teams have helped off him this postseason, hitting almost 37% of his 3pt attempts.

Shumpert doesn’t pose a huge threat with the ball in his hands.  He’s athletic enough to score at the rim when given the opportunity, but the Cavs don’t utilize him in their half court sets often.  Shumpert’s primary role on offense is a 3pt outlet.

How the Warriors decide to guard Lebron will ultimately dictate how important Shumpert will become on the offensive end. Should the Warriors choose to turn LeBron into a scorer, Shumpert will have limited open opportunities. However, if the Warriors send double teams at LeBron, Shumpert is one of the players they will double off. Should this scenario play out; Shumpert’s ability to make the Warriors pay for leaving him will become a huge storyline in the series.

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