Thank You, Shump and Channing!
After an eventful day of trades for the Cavs, we have parted ways with two members of the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers: Iman Shumpert and Channing Frye. Shump and Channing haven’t gotten much playing time this season, but they were instrumental in the comeback versus the Warriors less than two years ago.
Shump and Channing came to this team in similar ways. Both of them were mid-season acquisitions meant to add some depth to the roster. Shump was packaged with JR Smith in the 2014-15 season, while Channing arrived from Orlando the following season. Smith and Shump had been teammates for several years previously with the Knicks, while Frye joined fellow Arizona alum Richard Jefferson following his trade.
Shump and Channing were never the must-see players coming into every game, but they both had their moments. Shump had always been the one to put in the most effort every night and he was never afraid to pull up for a jumper. We will also remember his experimentation with hairstyles, from his flat-top to cornrows. Channing was the hilarious, smiling locker room presence that we remember for catching fire from deep. His Road Trippin’ Podcast with Richard Jefferson was also one of the best parts of the 2017 season. They are two players the team and fans should rightfully miss.
I think some fans are giving Shump and Channing a hard time. I’m sure at one point in each of their careers here we have wondered why Shump took that one shot or why Channing couldn’t get that rebound. But don’t forget that these two guys helped Cleveland win its first championship since 1964. They may both exit the league with just one ring and the big Cavalier ‘C’ will be found on it.
Shumpert will presumably finish the season in a Sacramento Kings jersey, while Channing Frye is headed to sunny Los Angeles to be a Laker. They may be far away from Cleveland now, but they should still be close to our hearts for all they have done for this city!
Image: Cavs Nation
