MIAMI (WFAN/AP) — Knicks rookie guard Iman Shumpert will miss the rest of the postseason after tearing a left knee ligament in the third quarter of New York’s Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday.

Shumpert was bringing the ball up the right sideline and tried to dribble behind his back when he pulled up and immediately grabbed at his left knee. He was brought into the Knicks’ locker room for evaluation and later to a hospital for an MRI.

The Knicks later announced that Shumpert also tore his lateral meniscus.  Yahoo Sports reports that Shumpert will miss 6-8 months after he undergoes surgery on his left knee.

Shumpert started the final 17 games of the regular season after Jeremy Lin unerwent knee surgery.  He was a high-energy player for the Knicks in his rookie season. Knicks fans appreciated his effort on the boards and hustle that led to steals.

His development now will be cut short as he’ll miss the rest of the playoffs and the NBA’s pre-season.  He’ll be fortunate to return in time for the start of the 2012-13 season.  Either way, this will be a setback in a promising young career.

As for the Knicks, their already slim chance of advancing past the formidable Miami Heat have taken a huge hit with Shumpert’s loss.  Without Shumpert, the Knicks are lacking athleticism and lose one of their best defenders.

The Knicks lost 100-67 in Game 1 and it’s likely they’ll be on the end of a few more blowout losses in this series.

Do the Knicks have any chance of surviving without Shumpert? Share your thoughts below…

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