Miami Heat: Most Interesting Storylines Of The Preseason

How will Shabazz Napier cope with pressure?

In the months leading up the 2014 NBA Draft, Shabazz Napier wasn’t really seen as a high class point guard. That kind of distinction went to the likes of Dante Exum, Marcus Smart and so forth, meanwhile Napier widely viewed as mediocre, at best who would likely be selected in the second round.

At least that was the case for LeBron James believed Napier’s championship credentials warranted a little more respect and called him his “favorite player” in the class of 2014 which included the likes of Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins.

So with such an endorsement from the King and a team president keen to keep his star player happy, the Miami Heat drafted the Connecticut product with the 24th overall pick, after some wheeling and dealing by Pat Riley.

Unfortunately, the move hasn’t quite brought Miami the best of luck since James left anyway and Shabazz Napier hasn’t managed to live up to James’ hype … so far.

During Summer League play in Orlando as well as Orlando, the 23-year-old struggled as he averaged 9.2 points on 27 percent shooting, 3 rebounds, 4.6 assists. His shooting later improved somewhat while in Vegas where he averaged 10.3 points on 27.7 percent shooting, although, his rebounding did decrease to 1.3 per game. And then there were turnovers. Lots and lots of turnovers; 43 in 10 games to be exact.

As you can probably guess, that sort of play has led to questions as to whether he will be able to make it in the NBA. What better time than the preseason to start proving erasing that doubt?