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Shabazz Napier is shifting his focus towards a coaching career, as reported by HoopsHype senior NBA insider Michael Scotto, with the Washington Wizards welcoming him as a coaching intern.
In the past three years, 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 last season with the German team, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game over 33 games, including three as a starter. At the age of 34, he is stepping away from his playing career.
After clinching two NCAA titles with Connecticut in 2011 and 2014, Napier was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 24th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was later traded to the Miami Heat, initiating a tenure that would lead to 354 games played in the NBA, spanning stints with the Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a brief period with the Wizards at the tail end of the 2019-20 season.
Broadening his professional experience beyond the NBA, he joined Zenit in 2021 but departed from the Saint Petersburg club shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, he made his return to Europe by signing with Olimpia Milan, which paved the way for additional EuroLeague experiences, including a reunion with the Italian side and renowned head coach Ettore Messina.
On the international stage, Napier contributed to Puerto Rico’s efforts in the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers.
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