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Video: Iman Shumpert reading poetry at NYC club

New York Knicks v New Jersey Nets

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 17: Iman Shumpert #21 of the New York Knicks shoots against the New Jersey Nets during the preseason game on December 17, 2011 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nathaniel S. Butler

I post this not as someone mocking the Knicks’ Iman Shumpert for writing poetry, but rather because this is good, raw, emotional stuff.

Shumpert’s aunt died of cancer and this was an open letter to her. It is heartfelt, it is powerful.

Just remember this next time you want to paint NBA players as two-dimensional people whose sole purpose is to entertain on the basketball court. They are flesh and blood people who face the same challenges we all do in life. Nobody’s road is smooth.

Hat tip to Sekou Smith at the Hang Time Blog for posting this.