John Shumate’s Roughest Opponent is Death, 1976

[When John Shumate played for the Phoenix Suns, fans chanted, “Shu . . . Shu . . . Shu     . . . Shu," But the chant lasted only briefly. Shumate’s rookie season was delayed for health reasons. Then, after Shumate made an impressive comeback during the 1975-76 season, the Suns brass dealt “Shu” midway through the next season to Buffalo for forward Garfi…