Who would have expected that the spotlight for Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor would shift from hardwood chemistry to courtroom drama? Because in no time, the controversy of the power couple’s divorce has escalated. Despite the singer’s massive efforts to keep her divorce details private, this has turned into a public drama. After she first filed for divorce in 2023, the two are still involved in the long process of their settlement. Just a few days ago, the former NBA player filed a motion, claiming his ex-wife breached their July 2024 settlement. Amidst the conflict, the former Knick might catch a break as he received immense praise from former NBA teammate Carmelo Anthony.
In a recent episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, Melo recounted his playing days with Shumpert. He was selected as the 17th overall pick by the New York Knicks back in 2011. Melo, too, had just the team as a veteran. The two didn’t take long to understand each other’s playing style and soon synced up their skills. Melo also developed a better understanding of the Knicks’ rookie as a person and also admired his personal qualities, claiming that Shumpert was at the time “ahead of” others. So a comment from the old-time friend was always imminent.
Speaking on the latest episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, Melo explained how the rookie received unnecessary criticism during his early years in the league. “He got ridiculed for being that in the locker room on the bus with the headphones music loud doing in his own world, rapping out loud. He got persecuted for being and doing that ‘he’s not serious he’s not this; It comes a point in time where you had to we had to be like “Oh s-– that’s enough Champ,’ Like dumb it down a little bit,” Melo said.
Shumpert also made an appearance on the same podcast just a few days ago. The two even reflected on their time together, recounting several lesser-known stories. For those who don’t know, Shumpert has a massive love for music. He recently launched his new music single. Following this, in March, he was accused by his ex-wife, Taylor, of allegedly leaking details of their divorce. She had claimed that he might have leaked it to promote his single. Shumpert denied all the allegations.
Now, again, he filed a motion against Taylor, making several claims about her breaking their agreement. Surprisingly, Shumpert’s demands for Taylor are similar to Taylor’s demands as per In Touch. The two share two daughters and were married for nearly 7 years. While the two might have finalized their divorce, the legal battle over the properties isn’t done.
Apr 5, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Iman Shumpert (1) arrives to the arena prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Due to several reasons, he retired early from his career. Before that, he was a power player. And not so surprisingly, Melo was upset when Shumpert was traded away by the Knicks.
Carmelo Anthony wasn’t fond of trade sending Iman Shumpert away
This trade took place in 2015 between the Knicks and Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks legend Anthony was furious about the deal. He had good enough reasons for it. The first was quite simply the bond and connection he shared with Shumpert. Even as a rookie, Shumpert was comfortable voicing his arguments and complaints to a veteran like Anthony. If the rookie had any issues with the players or his game, Melo helped him out.
He wasn’t the only one traded in the deal. Another player who said goodbye to the Knicks in that trade was J.R. Smith. Both Melo and Smith had shared a great bond since the latter entered the NBA. It was even he who suggested that Smith skip college and join an NBA team. Early in January of that year, the three-team deal sent Shumpert and Smith to the Cavaliers, while the Knicks got Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk, Lance Thomas, and a 2019 second-round pick. The deal sent Dion Waiters to the Thunder.
This infuriated Melo even further, as you might have already guessed. Smith and Shumpert were going to team up with LeBron James.“F— them! I told LeBron, I said ‘That’s what we doing?’ When it happened, the only thing going through my mind was LeBron. I know this is a chess game… I gotta get these guys away from him,” Anthony said on the same podcast.
“Sh-t is f—ed up because I could have used Shump and J.R. to go win a championship. That’s why I flipped out like that in the locker room, because you do not touch this nucleus right here! I don’t give a f— what you do. I said ‘Y’all can’t say sh-t to me. Do y’all know what the f— you just did? You’re gonna send them to him?” he further explained.
At that time, there was a rivalry between Melo and James. The 10x NBA All-Star’s history with the franchise is well known, as the Cavaliers ultimately went on to win. While Shumpert and Smith ended up going to the Cavs, the former teammates still cherish their playing days with the Knicks.
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