Iman Shumpert’s ‘Crazy’ Dunk Was Triggered by 1 Sour Encounter, Claims Ex-Knicks Star

Iman Shumpert wowed the fans with his athleticism during his time in the NBA. Although he was not great at shooting, he will always be remembered for his highlight plays. One of the most famous ones is his put-back dunk while playing for the New York Knicks.

During a recent episode of Uninterrupted, the lethal shooter asked Shumpert about his iconic dunk. Shumpert then explained the real story behind the dunk, and it was simultaneously hilarious and mind-blowing.

The failed attempt turned into a career highlight for Iman Shumpert

Back in the 2012 NBA playoffs, Iman Shumpert suffered a knee injury that was later revealed to be an ACL tear. So when he was making his way back from his injury, he revealed that someone from the Indiana Pacers told Shumpert that he did not have the same athleticism and bounce that he used to before getting injured.

As there was a small rivalry with the Indiana Pacers at the time, Shumpert decided that he was going to prove people wrong and go in for a mini-tip dunk when he got the chance.

When he noticed that the ball was coming off his direction after a shot had been missed, he jumped up to get it for a dunk. But Shumpert only realized that the ball was way behind his head once he had left the ground.

Shumpert said, “When it came off, I’m like, Ah, it’s off. And I remember reaching, reaching more so just like damn. And when I went damn, I was like, Oh s**t. I’m like, I got it.“

So Shumpert thought he missed the ball and just flailed his hand back in disappointment, but the ball landed right in his palm, and he finished the dunk, making it one of the most iconic moments in his career.

Will Iman Shumpert come back to the NBA?

Shumpert last played for a team in the 2020–21 season. Over the years, he has been a good role player and has even contributed to the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the championship in 2016.

Read More: NBA Legend Backs Jayson Tatum-Led Celtics’ Controversial Move Over Andre Drummond With Harsh Claim

Although Shumpert has not announced his retirement from basketball, it seems like he has moved on to other ventures in life, as he recently participated in and won the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ show in 2021.

Watch This Story: Wondering How to Be a Part of MrBeast’s Cash-Grabbing Gaming Challenges? These Steps Will Prove to Be Essential

Do you think Iman Shumpert will make his way back to the NBA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!