Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Ryan Boatright (left) passes the national championship trophy to guard Shabazz Napier (right) after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats in the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Surprised to see that name? Me too. But, once again, think of his skills. His best skill-set is creating a fadeaway jumpshot in isolation. Teams out there, have better isolation players with more athleticism, skills, or shooting touch. Why would a team go to Napier in a half-court set to create a shot? If you’re the Boston Celtics, you go through Jeff Green. If you’re the New Jersey Nets, you go through Joe Johnson or Deron Williams. Guys like Napier are scary to draft. He has limited physical tools with height and wingspan, but the intangibles of mental fortitude and work ethic. He may be a role player that you kick-out to for a last minute shot, but, he won’t be doing what he’s best at. Volume scoring point guards that don’t have great athletic tools or size, end up bench players for scoring punch. A team may as well develop a project player.