Shabazz Napier Transitions from Player to Coach as Wizards Appoint Him as Apprentice

Shabazz Napier is shifting his focus towards a coaching career, as the Washington Wizards have brought him on board as a coaching intern, reports Michael Scotto, a senior NBA insider for HoopsHype.

In recent years, the Boston native has 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 last season with the German team, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 33 games, three of which he started. Now, at 34, he is ready to transition from his playing career.

Napier celebrated two NCAA championship victories with the University of Connecticut in 2011 and 2014 before being selected 24th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He was soon traded to the Miami Heat, where he began an NBA career that spanned 354 games. His journey took him to the Heat, as well as the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a brief stint with the Wizards at the end of the 2019-20 season.

After expanding his horizons beyond the NBA, he joined Zenit in 2021, but left the Saint Petersburg club a few months later due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, he made his way back to Europe, signing with Olimpia Milan, which led to further EuroLeague experiences, including a reunion with the renowned Italian coach Ettore Messina.

Additionally, on the international stage, Napier contributed significantly to the Puerto Rican team during the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers.

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