30Q: Could the Kings bring back Iman Shumpert?

Iman Shumpert was a surprise feel-good story for the Sacramento Kings last season. Most Kings fans had little expectation for Shump as he came off an injury, but he burst onto the scene with a hot shooting starting and a contagious swagger. He was beloved in the locker room, and coined the nickname The Scores for the young Kings. Shumpert’s hot shooting cooled off, and he was traded to the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline as part of the three-team deal that brought the Kings Alec Burks.

The Kings have a full training camp roster, we’ve previously discussed how the Kings could easily clear space to bring in a veteran wing. Shumpert seemed ready to return to Houston, but recently let the Rockets know he would not be joining them.

It really comes down to the role Shumpert is looking for, as well as the contract. We don’t know what role the Rockets were offering, or what contract, but presumably a bench role on a vet minimum. The Kings wouldn’t be able to offer Shump more than a veteran minimum, and they certainly wouldn’t be offering him a role with significant playing time. It may not be a great fit for what Iman wants, but it certainly warrants a phone call.

If Shump would return to the Kings on a minimum with the understanding that he would only play spot minutes, the Kings should jump on that opportunity.