Shabazz Napier Transitions to Coaching Role with Washington Wizards After Dynamic Playing Career

Shabazz Napier is shifting his focus towards a coaching career, as the Washington Wizards have announced his appointment as a coaching apprentice, per insights from HoopsHype’s senior NBA insider, Michael Scotto.

During 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. In the last season with the German club, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals over 33 games, of which he started three. Now at 34, he is ready to conclude his playing career.

After securing two NCAA championships with the University of 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, which marked the start of his NBA journey—accumulating 354 appearances across various teams, including the Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and a brief stint with the Wizards towards the end of the 2019-20 season.

Broadening his horizons outside the NBA, he joined Zenit in 2021 but departed from the Saint Petersburg-based team shortly after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, he returned to Europe to sign with Olimpia Milan, leading to subsequent opportunities in the EuroLeague, including another chapter with the Italian team and renowned head coach Ettore Messina.

In addition to his club commitments, Napier represented Puerto Rico in the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers.

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