Iman Shumpert to make Cavaliers debut Friday vs. Hornets

The Cleveland Cavaliers will finally get to enjoy all the fruits of their Dion Waiters trade earlier this month. 

Shooting guard Iman Shumpert, who came over from the New York Knicks as part of the deal but has been out since Dec. 12 recovering from a dislocated left shoulder, will be activated Friday, according to head coach David Blatt. 

Blatt expects Shumpert to play, though likely in limited minutes. 

In 24 games with the Knicks before getting hurt, Shumpert averaged 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals, providing above-average defense on the wing. 

That last detail is of particular importance to the Cavs, who rank 26th in team defense and are allowing opponents to shoot 41.9 percent from mid-range - the third-worst mark in the league.