Iman Shumpert out of Slam Dunk Contest

Iman Shumpert had to be considered one of the favorites to win this year’s Slam Dunk Competition. But he won’t be competing because of left patella tendinitis.

Shumpert missed Monday’s game against the Nets and isn’t expected to play tonight against the Hawks or tomorrow at Miami so he can rest his knee.

The rookie has had various things bothering him this season from a sprained right knee, to cramps to back and ankle injuries. Mike D’Antoni said the knee has been troubling Shumpert a little while and it was best for him to rest.

With Shumpert out of the contest that means Jeremy Lin is out too. Nothing was confirmed, but there were rumors that Shumpert may jump over a couch that Lin was quote-unquote sleeping on.

Lin slept on his brother’s couch and Landry Fields’ couch before Linsanity began and he got his own place.

It will be interesting to see how many people actually sit on their couch and watch this Slam Dunk contest.

Even with Shumpert, it wasn’t an appealing field. The four that are competing are Houston’s Chase Budinger, Indiana’s Paul George, Minnesota’s Derrick Williams and Utah’s Jeremy Evans replaced Shumpert.