Shabazz Napier Forcing Way into Miami Heat Point Guard Conversation

October 21st, 2014 by Stephen Babb Leave a reply »

Shabazz Napier once seemed like another reason for LeBron James to remain with the Miami Heat.

"No way u take another PG in the lottery before Napier," King James tweeted in April.

Team president Pat Riley denied that James actively had anything to do with the organization's decision to acquire Napier (by trade on draft night), telling reporters, "The point is, if LeBron and I have the same taste in talent, so be it."

The 23-year-old's addition didn't ultimately persuade James to stick around, but it may nevertheless have an immediate impact on a club in desperate need of some playmaking.

Riley got Napier just weeks after starting point guard Mario Chalmers flopped in the Finals, averaging 4.4 points and 33.3 percent shooting in five games against the San Antonio Spurs. Miami ultimately elected to keep Chalmers—a free agent this summer—but it's become no secret this team needs improved play from its floor general.

Chalmers and reserve point guard Norris Cole have had solid, if uneven, preseasons. 

Napier has been the story instead, making an increasingly strong case ...

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