Locked-out Knicks rookie first-round pick Iman Shumpert is writing an occasional diary for The Post to riff on his offbeat transition into the NBA due to the league’s work stoppage.
Last week I flew into New York for one night to game plan with Adidas – ironically the night the federal mediation between the two sides broke down.
I heard about the meetings not going well, but I’m expecting the worst with the meetings now, so when it ends, I feel that much better about it.
I still haven’t decided where I will live once the lockout ends and I can begin my rookie year. Most likely it will be Westchester, close to the practice facility. The renovated Garden being closed off to me when I’m in town doesn’t hurt as much as not being able to use the training facility or meet with the coaches. I’d like to be able to get workouts in when I’m in New York and can’t.
From my Cooper Square hotel room, I sat back to feast my eyes on the fast pace life of the city. Instead of meeting with Knicks coaches, I came in town to do an appearance with Adidas.
Last Thursday night, I decided to step out for dinner with some friends. Beauty and Essex was the choice for the night and remains top 3 on the list of restaurants.
The unorthodox presentation of the dishes makes it that much better when you realize that you’ve taken a bite of satisfaction at its highest level. I dove into the famous lobster mac ‘n cheese and continued with a medium-well New York Strip steak. That feast cut my night short – too stuffed to do anything but sleep it off. It’s safe to say my stay at the Cooper was great.
The next day I was picked up and taken to the Trump Hotel, up to a big-windowed room and viewed the Statue of Liberty ahead of me. They presented ideas on product soon to come to light. The intent of Adidas is to bring back the criminally slept-on-style, Run DMC, persuaded us to appreciate, just in case we’d forgotten.
Shouts out to my MVP Adidas headliner, Derrick Rose, fellow Chicagoan. I’m a sneaker-head at heart. Standing in a room full of what is to come has me excited for next fall.
The event brought a smile to my face, but not more than being back in NYC did. Seeing the classiest, most exotic, and flashy-suited looks walking up and down the street, mixed with the great restaurants and the countless stores I desire to shop ensures me that I need to make that move to New York. But I don’t have a place yet, not until there’s an agreement.
With things with the lockout continuing, so are me and my workouts. The track, the pool, weight room and gym all being available to me at various spots made my New York stay extremely productive.
It was back home in Chicago where today I was doing my first Dime Magazine photo shoot at my high school and house. But I do hope it ends soon so I can play in the Mecca like I’ve been hoping for. Until next time…
Send questions to Shumpert at his twitter account @I_Am_Iman or email them to Marc.Berman@NYPost.com and Shumpert will answer them on video.