2014 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Shabazz Napier



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2014 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Shabazz Napier


Position: Point Guard

Size: 6-1, 180

School: Connecticut, Senior


Strengths:
  • Three-point shooting
  • NBA range from deep
  • Catch-and-shoot ability
  • Step-back jumper
  • Free throw shooting
  • Creating his own shot
  • Play-making ability
  • Quickness off the bounce
  • Change of direction dribble
  • Capable distributor
  • Active on-the-ball defender
  • Rebounds well for his size/position
  • Doesn’t shy away from the big moment




  • Weaknesses:
  • Lacks ideal NBA athleticism
  • Finishing at the rim against shot blockers
  • Turnover prone
  • Court vision; too often misses open man or mismatches


  • Summary: Napier has been a vital part of Connecticut’s success during his four years of college. He has been the league guard since his sophomore year and has a ton of experience, which is why he projects to be a backup point guard in the NBA. His lack of athleticism hurts his stock, but he can score at a high level and should be a high second-round pick with the possibility of sneaking into the late first round.

    Player Comparison: J.J. Barea. Barea has made a living in the NBA as a play-making offensive spark plug coming off the bench. Napier’s ceiling is the exact same thing. Both guys don’t fit the current mold of an athletic, big NBA point guard, but are nonetheless effective.







    RELATED LINKS:


    2014 NBA Mock Draft


    2015 NBA Mock Draft


    2014 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2014 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




    2015 NBA Mock Draft

    2016 NBA Mock Draft

    2014 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | COMBO-F | SF | COMBO-G | SG | PG





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