By Josh Cohen
Sept. 4, 2015
Shabazz Napier excels when he pushes the pace and he is very effective at stopping on a dime as the defense is backing up. This allows Napier, who shot nearly 49 percent on shot attempts between 15 and 19 feet from the basket last season with the Heat, to free himself up for open jumpers in transition. WATCH:
Napier isn’t the most gifted athlete nor is he super explosive. He also has a habit of dribbling too much at times. However, Napier has a unique ability for a 6’0 combo guard to create space off the dribble for step-back jumpers. He shot a near-perfect 5-of-6 on step-back jumpers last season. WATCH:
Napier’s first NBA bucket actually came after he pickpocketed John Wall and drove the other way for a breakaway layup in Miami’s season opener. Napier has very quick hands and he is a superb on-the-ball defender. His length and lateral quickness are a bit of a concern, however. Also, opponents guarded by Napier shot over six percent higher than their season averages. WATCH:
Amongst rookie guards last year, Napier ranked fifth in rebounds per game (2.2). He also averaged nearly six boards a game during his senior season at UConn, which for a guy 6’0 is outstanding. Napier has no fear crashing the paint and battling with the big boys. In the play featured below, Napier chooses to chase a missed shot rather than sag back. WATCH:
Napier is a tough shot maker. He is fearless and confident when he drives inside. Absorbing and finishing through contact is something he must address, however. For a player who is as aggressive as he is, Napier must learn how to initiate contact. He only averaged 4.4 free throws per game during his four years in college (averaged 10.1 shot attempts). WATCH: