Iman Shumpert believes young athletes should learn how to connect with women before their bank accounts get bigger.
The former NBA player recently shared his dating advice during an appearance on “SideHustlin’ with Kristi K,” according to EssentiallySports. Shumpert said men who begin dating only after becoming wealthy may struggle to build genuine connections because they rely too heavily on what their money can provide.
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“Talk to girls before you get some money,” Shumpert said. “And then you won’t feel the pressure.”
He explained that some men do not have much dating experience until they start earning significant money. As a result, they may use expensive gifts and their financial status to attract women instead of developing the confidence to connect with someone naturally.
Shumpert’s perspective comes from his own experiences with money, including a childhood that looked very different from the life he eventually built as a professional basketball player.
During a previous appearance on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, he recalled taking a girl on a date at his family’s home while he was in high school. When a storm caused water to leak through the roof, Shumpert immediately grabbed a pot to catch it.
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He already knew where to go because his family was familiar with the problem and knew the roof needed repairs. However, the girl was surprised by how quickly he responded to the leak. The date ended shortly afterward when her mother arrived.
The experience offered a glimpse into Shumpert’s life before the NBA brought him financial success. It also showed how accustomed he had become to dealing with circumstances that others might not have experienced.
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Even after signing professional basketball contracts, Shumpert took steps to keep his spending under control. He reportedly arranged for his brother and a financial adviser to manage half of each paycheck outside his immediate reach. By keeping less money readily available, he made it easier to avoid spending everything he earned.
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Shumpert’s personal life has also included major changes. He married singer and actress Teyana Taylor in 2016, and the two share two daughters. They separated in 2023 and finalized their divorce in July 2024.
His latest advice centers on developing confidence and relationship skills before money enters the picture. For Shumpert, learning to connect with someone without relying on wealth can help young men build relationships that are about more than what they can afford.
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Iman Shumpert Says Young Athletes Should Date Before Getting Rich was originally published on rickeysmileymorningshow.com
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