Shabazz Napier has everything to play for
By S.W. Guest
Shabazz Napier learned a lot playing with some veterans and All Stars. With decisions about his future to be made, Napier has a lot to play for in Orlando.
When Shabazz Napier was asked about being traded to the Orlando Magic this offseason his response was pretty straightforward:
“Honestly, when I found out I was coming to the Orlando Magic I just couldn’t think of a better team to play with and grow with,” Napier said. “I’m just excited to be with this team, excited to be with this coaching staff and to continue to learn.”
After all, the trade has given Napier a fresh start, not to mention an opportunity to compete for playing time on a young roster.
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The Miami Heat’s commitment to Goran Dragic, who signed a five-year, $90-million contract with the team this offseason, and the continued presence of Mario Chalmers made Napier a luxury in South Beach. But their loss turned out to be the Magic’s gain, as the Magic sacrificed just a single protected second-round pick in the exchange (and that pick is unlikely to be conveyed to the Heat).
The asking price combined with the non-guaranteed third year of his current deal makes Napier a low-risk acquisition, one that could turn out to be a steal, especially if the 24 year old is able make good on some of the potential he showed during his college career with the University of Connecticut.
In four years at Connecticut, Napier averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 assists per game. Last year in Miami he recorded 5.1 points and 2.5 assists while playing 19.8 minutes per game.
Adjusting to life in the NBA can be tough though, especially when you find yourself under the spotlight as a rookie. Winning two titles and the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player with UConn put Napier there long before LeBron James labeled him his favorite player in the draft.
Despite that endorsement Napier was taken 24th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before Miami gave up their own first-round pick (P.J. Hairston) and two second-round picks to acquire him.
Shortly after the draft Heat GM Pat Riley said of Napier, “He’s a very competitive person, and I think competitive without a huge ego, too. He’s a winner. He’s talented and he’s skilled. You just have to watch him play the game and you can see the competitive level we all like.”
Accurate as that statement may be, Napier was far from a great fit in Miami. Even without James, the Heat had a veteran roster and a desire to compete.
Their rookie point guard exhibited plenty of potential, especially in drive and kick situations. But in the course of his 51 appearances (10 starts) he averaged just 4.5 field goal attempts per game while shooting 38 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range.
Those numbers are by no means bad, especially when considered in relation to the fairly limited nature of Napier’s role.
That said the former Husky is grateful for the experience he gained in Miami, not to mention the opportunity to work alongside a couple of All-Stars:
“Being around veterans like Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, being able to see what they did on a daily basis, learn from them and try to emulate the things they did to try and get themselves ready, it was a blessing to be around those guys,” Napier said. “I’m just happy and satisfied that I was able to see that.”
While that experience will undoubtedly benefit the young Magic, Napier’s circumstances are unlikely to change a great deal in Orlando. Much like last season’s Heat, the Magic will be hoping to secure a playoff berth in 2016 and, assuming he makes the roster, Napier will be forced to fight for every minute he gets.
As things stand, Elfrid Payton and C.J. Watson will be his main source of competition. The former started 63 times for the Magic last season, averaging 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, while the latter made 57 appearances for the Indiana Pacers, recording 10 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Both should be able to help Napier adjust to life in Orlando, especially Watson whose eight years of NBA experience and scoring touch should aid the development of both his sophomore backcourt mates.
Napier has plenty to work on, something he openly acknowledges:
“I have always been the type of guy not to pinpoint one thing,” Napier said. “I have always wanted to improve every single thing I can. Whether it is shooting the ball better, being a better leader or being quicker. I just want to always tell myself to thrive and strive to be better than I was yesterday.”
That approach will go a long way with the Magic’s coaching staff, who will relish the opportunity to work with a player of Napier’s potential. He is after all a scorer capable of delivering instant offense, something he proved during a 25-point outing against the San Antonio Spurs early last season:
Napier offers potential on the defensive end too as, despite being just 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, the Heat’s defensive rating with him on the floor was 101.3, 2.5 points per 100 possessions better than the team’s average.
New head coach Scott Skiles will undoubtedly use training camp and preseason as a means of getting a good look at his third-string point guard, who, as things stand, has little to lose and everything to play for, including his third-year option (which the Magic must pick up by Oct. 31).
All of which suggests that Napier is a player to keep an eye on ahead of the new campaign.
Philip Rossman-Reich contributed to this report.