Shump on Linsanity: “Hair Ain’t Making No Locks”

Shump Weighs In: Jeremy Lin’s Dreadlocks Sparked NBA Drama

Iman Shumpert, never one to shy away from a bold take, recently revisited the fiery exchange between Kenyon Martin and Jeremy Lin over Lin’s now-infamous dreadlocks. The conversation, which originally blew up in 2019, resurfaced on the Club Shay Shay podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA’s often-misunderstood dynamics.

Martin’s Initial Outburst and Lin’s Subtle Response

The crux of the issue, as Shumpert recalled, was Kenyon Martin’s public disapproval of Lin’s hairstyle. “You know what? I was wrong in this situation,” Shumpert stated, praising Martin for eventually admitting his misstep. “I like when men be man cuz sometimes you know we prideful.” However, Shumpert didn’t entirely agree with Martin’s initial stance, playfully remarking, “Them [dreadlocks] was damn near crawling out his head. His hair ain’t making for no locks. Jay Le know that [stuff] look crazy. He just was trying some [stuff] out.”

Despite the initial controversy, Shumpert highlighted Jeremy Lin’s mature and understated response on Instagram. “I like Jaylen’s response on Instagram. I can’t remember what it was, but it was very subtle. It was very not what you thought it was going to be. It made me smile, right?” This measured reaction from Lin underscored the underlying respect that often exists between NBA players, even amidst public disagreements.

Beyond the Court: The Unseen Camaraderie of NBA Players

Shumpert emphasized that the intense rivalries seen on the court don’t always translate to genuine animosity off it. “But like I said, no matter what y’all see, I ain’t saying it’s WWE or nothing, cuz it ain’t. But we are all in this league fans of each other,” he explained. “Like, you can’t get into it with a guy on the court, say you hate him, f him, f this, f that. But I’m talking about some really really good human beings off the floor.”

He elaborated on this point, sharing anecdotes of players who, despite on-court battles, maintain respectful relationships away from the cameras. “I’ve seen a lot of [stuff] that I be like oh these two >> they finally in the same room this summer and they be like no it’s all good. Like we can keep it hoop. We can keep them mature.” This perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to the often-sensationalized narratives surrounding player interactions.

The Media Circus: A Glimpse into the “Insanity”

Shumpert also provided a vivid account of the overwhelming media attention that comes with significant NBA events, recalling the intense scrutiny during a particular two-week period. “Too much for two weeks,” he quipped. “Man had media hanging all in our locker room, man. We getting interviewed butt ass naked, dog. I’m talking about this [stuff] was crazy. Like I ain’t even got time to all the way get right before they in there.”

He painted a picture of chaos, with reporters encroaching on personal space. “Asian media stepping on your foot while you in the flipflops. G like Jin, come on, man. You stepping on my towel. He like, oh, oh, sorry, sorry. But they trying to get to Jayen.” This intense environment, Shumpert suggested, can be disorienting and add an unnecessary layer of pressure to the players’ lives.

Melo’s Media Aversion and the Unspoken Rules

The conversation also touched upon Carmelo Anthony’s known reluctance to engage with the media. Shumpert recounted an instance where he teased Melo about Lin drawing attention. “I get to messing with Melo and [stuff] like Melo [stuff] don’t even want to talk to your ass.” He added, “No, Melo used to be liking that [stuff] He was happy as hell when Jay Le was taking all the media. Melo don’t like talking on [stuff] media.” This anecdote highlights the different personalities and preferences within the league when it comes to public engagement.

Ultimately, Shumpert’s reflections offer a candid look at the camaraderie, the occasional drama, and the sheer intensity of life as an NBA player, reminding fans that behind the statistics and highlights, there are complex human beings navigating a high-stakes professional world.

Source: Iman Shumpert On Jeremy Lin's Dreadlocks & Kenyon Martin I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)