Iman Shumpert, a former NBA guard, played a pivotal role in helping the Cleveland Cavaliers secure their first and only championship. He witnessed the highs of victory and the lows of Kyrie Irving's departure to the Celtics in 2017. In a candid discussion on ‘Club Shay Shay,’ Shumpert offered insights into what drove Irving away from Cleveland and why it wasn’t surprising.
“Kyrie is a Kobe guy,” Shumpert explained. “He wanted to beat LeBron, not join him.
People might think that’s foolish, but that’s who Kyrie is. To be the best, he felt he had to go head-to-head with the best, not team up.”
Before LeBron James returned to Cleveland, Irving was the Cavaliers’ shining star. He was the face of the franchise and carried the hopes of the city. LeBron’s arrival shifted the dynamic, and it was a change Irving struggled to embrace.
“Imagine having your mom’s house to yourself, and suddenly, you have a new sibling,” Shumpert elaborated. “You were the one with the keys, but now you can’t drive the car.
People don’t get that. They say he should have set his pride aside, but why?”
Irving’s departure wasn’t fueled by animosity towards LeBron. It was about forging his own path and stepping out of the shadow of a giant. As a fan of Kobe Bryant, Irving’s competitive spirit drove him to seek his own legacy.
Despite winning a championship and making three Finals appearances with LeBron, Irving was never in it for the long haul. Playing alongside a legend was not part of his original plan, even though he maintains a good relationship with James today.
Shumpert also shared what it was like to play with LeBron, highlighting the unique challenges and benefits. While critics often discuss Irving’s decision to leave, they overlook the complexities of playing with someone like LeBron, whose presence is as commanding as his basketball IQ.
“He is the Chat GPT of the NBA,” Shumpert said, referring to James. “He knows everything-coaches, assistant coaches, player development.
It took me a month to adjust to his level of understanding. He’s not afraid to challenge coaches and has a mental edge that sets him apart.”
LeBron’s dominance isn’t just physical; his mental acumen allows him to outthink opponents, contributing to his extraordinary longevity in the league.
Ultimately, Kyrie experienced the best of both worlds. He won with LeBron in Cleveland, learning invaluable lessons and cementing his place in history. Yet, his desire for independence led him to carve out his own path, ensuring he could define his career on his own terms.