Shumpert has first contact practice

[still a fan]

Shump is back

Shumpert has first contact practice

January, 8, 2013
Jan 8

6:21

PM ET

By Ian Begley | ESPNNewYork.com
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- So far, so good for Iman Shumpert.

The Knicks second-year guard went through 3-on-3 drills and took contact for the first time since his May ACL surgery during practice on Tuesday.



Afterward, Shumpert said it was too soon to set a specific date for his return to the court. He was encouraged by what he did in practice.

"It meant the world to me, I just wanted to compete," Shumpert said. "Getting out here and being able to compete definitely put a smile on my face for the day."

Once he returns to the floor, Shumpert is expected to boost the Knicks' defense, specifically on the perimeter. He established himself as one of the top young on-ball defenders in the NBA last year in his first season.

The Knicks have struggled to contain penetration at times when teams spread the floor this year. The Houston Rockets in particular had success against New York by working the ball around the perimeter and penetrating seams in the Knicks' defense. The Rockets won both games against the Knicks this season.

Shumpert, if healthy, can help contain that penetration and can be counted on to defend some of the league's top point guards.

"That's what I'm looking to do," Shumpert said. "Just add another piece, add another guard, another guy that can guard multiple positions."

The Knicks defense was ranked in the top 10 in the league in opponent field goal percentage and points allowed per 100 possessions. Since that hot start, they'd slipped to 20th and 21st, respectively.

So Shumpert's return is pivotal for a team that hopes to make a deep playoff run into June.

Mike Woodson was encouraged by what he saw from Shumpert on Day One.

"He looked good. I mean, it was a great first day for him in terms of contact and moving around," Woodson said.

Shumpert reported feeling fine physically and mentally. His biggest hurdle remaining is regaining his rhythm, he said.

After more than seven months of rehab, though, Shumpert knows that it's only a matter of time before he hits the floor. And, for, that he is grateful.

"I'm in a good place," he said.

[seikou8]

soon will see shump back on the court my favorite player cant wait

[D-Leethal]

Lets go AP.

[AddiX]

I miss shump...

[StoicSentry]

Can't wait. We are very thin at guard. We really need him back!

[TheNumber37]

Shumpert Equipped: Defense +10

[Kashmir13579]

Can't wait. We are very thin at guard. We really need him back!

I can't wait till he's at 110%. When Ray gets back our defense is going to dirty.

[xxplayerxx23]

How long before he gets in the game action? Two weeks?

[Beltrans Mole]

How long before he gets in the game action? Two weeks?

Sounds reasonable. I haven't seen anything that suggests his return date, but if he's been cleared he could probably play in late January IMO.

[Captain Moroni]

Sounds reasonable. I haven't seen anything that suggests his return date, but if he's been cleared he could probably play in late January IMO.

I thought i read something about being ready by the London game

[Maichan]

Can't wait to see Shump play, practicing means this is coming soon!

[JEDean89]

we should expect some time in January, this is earlier than i thought it would be, but i'm glad he's back and healthy. grats to shumps, we need him.

[meloman1592]

AHHHHHHH!!!!!! I hope he's still athletic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1PNrIu2bEU

Guards beware

[faze38]

any video yet?

[still a fan]

we should expect some time in January, this is earlier than i thought it would be, but i'm glad he's back and healthy. grats to shumps, we need him.

we were told December? Then early January, he's behind schedule by weeks already why were you expecting even later?

Every injury is different and I'm not by far saying he should have played sooner, but the normal time frame for athletes especially basketball players had him back on the court before Christmas, just saying.