Cavs News: Iman Shumpert Could Make Cleveland Debut Friday

The Cleveland Cavaliers believe shooting guard Iman Shumpert could see his first action with the club on Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Cleveland acquired Shumpert in the three-team deal that sent Dion Waiters to OKC and also brought J.R. Smith to Cleveland, but he hasn't played since suffering a dislocated shoulder on December 12.

Shumpert participated in the Cavaliers' morning shootaround on Monday, and will practice with the team Tuesday, and there is even an outside chance he could even make his Cleveland debut Wednesday against Utah.

"Iman has been working well and has been on the court now in a live situation," head coach David Blatt said before the Cavs' win over the Bulls. "I think end of this week is his expected first appearance. It could be before that by I just can't commit to that right now. He's coming along well and that's encouraging."

Shumpert, who's expected to start at shooting guard, is averaging 9.3 points and 3.4 rebounds so far this season, though he was acquired to improve Cleveland's shaky wing defense.

Waiters is averaging 14.4 points in 28 minutes through five games for the Thunder, and Shumpert will be tasked when guarding him when he returns on Friday.

Smith is averaging 13.7 points in six games for Cleveland.

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