NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Shabazz Napier is embarking on a coaching path, as the Washington Wizards have welcomed him aboard as a coaching apprentice, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
In the past three seasons, the Boston native showcased his skills in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, playing for teams such as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, and FC Bayern Munich. During his final season with the German side, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 33 games, including three as a starter. Now at 34, he is transitioning away from his playing career.
After securing two NCAA championships with Connecticut in 2011 and 2014, Napier was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 24th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was later traded to the Miami Heat, beginning a career that spanned 354 games in the NBA with stints including the Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a brief engagement with the Wizards at the end of the 2019-20 season.
Broadening his horizons beyond the NBA, he joined Zenit in 2021 but departed the Saint Petersburg-based club just a few months later due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, he made a return to Europe, signing with Olimpia Milan, which led to additional EuroLeague opportunities, including a reunion with the acclaimed coach Ettore Messina at the Italian club.
On the international stage, Napier contributed to Puerto Rico’s efforts in the Qualifiers for the FIBA AmeriCup 2022.
Stay updated with the latest news.
