Shabazz Napier, Junior, Point Guard, Connecticut
Overview:
Comparing Shabazz Napier last season to Russell Westbrook does a disservice to both men. Napier is not that good. However, the surface comparison seems oddly appropriate. Both point guards were rightly criticized for taking too many shots when they had a lengthy, calm, super scorer waiting to get the ball. Jeremy Lamb is also no Kevin Durant but this analysis of Napier is what is concerning because it seemed true. He would routinely pound the ball and hoist up a shot while his more talented teammate quietly waited. Now with Lamb (and Drummond and Oriakhi) gone, Napier has become the team’s go-to man in an odd turn of events. The problem this brings UConn is that he is not a good shooter. Napier is quick and talented with the basketball; he can get to the rim and control a team’s offense just fine. However, he is not an efficient scorer, shooting poorly from three, from the floor and comparatively average from the line as well.
Final Projection:
Without great size or strength, it will be left to Shabazz Napier’s game on the floor to determine whether he gets drafted. Becoming the leader of Connecticut and taking the team someplace people do not expect will be a huge boost to his draft stock. If he simply becomes a higher volume of what he already is (a player who often takes bad shots and too many shots) Napier may see draft day pass without hearing his name called.
See all NBA Draft Profiles and Rankings
