Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert has been writing a periodic diary for The Post during the lockout. With the lockout now drawing to a close, Shumpert checks in one last time before embarking on his first NBA season. His Twitter handle is @I_Am_Iman
This was definitely one of the most exciting weeks I have ever been through. As soon as I heard the news that we’d be starting the season on the most appropriate date — Christmas — I shot down to IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., to train with some players and get in harder runs. The main goal was to get my wind up and make good use of the training staff. Mission accomplished.
From IMG, I caught a flight Friday back to Chicago for my high school jersey retirement ceremony at Oak Park River Forest. My Huskies hosted Downer’s Grove North for their first home game, and I was in attendance to support them as well as see my No. 32 go to hang forever in the Field House.
I saw faces I haven’t seen since grade school, teachers I haven’t seen since they told me to get out of the hallway because class was in session.
My family escorted me at halftime to center court, where the principal and athletic director presented me with my framed high school jersey in home colors. That was the best round of applause I have heard in a while.
I write this diary entry from the back seat with a driver threaded in the nicest of suits, with Knicks teammate and fellow rookie, Josh Harrellson, as we head to our first day of work at the training facility. There’s nothing more surreal than heading to the destination that you’ve always dreamed of.
I walked in on the Knicks coaches during their meeting, but it was good to finally be able to speak to all of them. I got to the locker room to hear Carmelo Anthony’s boom box playing Meek Mill, then got shots up with Harrellson, Toney Douglas, Andy Rautins and Landry Fields.
I even met with the big group of New York media. One writer asked if I come into the NBA with a chip on my shoulder, something I’ve said previously. I told them I’m going to play with one for the rest of my career.
Knicks fans just have been wanting to see basketball. They demand a lot. I may tweet, “I’m with my mom,” or something like that, and Knicks fans will respond: “You should be shooting a thousand shots.”
There’s nothing better than reaching your goal and setting a new one. So now that I’m here, let’s chase this ring, New York! #NYKAllday