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NBA Awards Watch: Rookie Of The Year

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Oct 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for the basket around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Thaddeus Young (33) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for the basket around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Thaddeus Young (33) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Shabazz Napier (13) dribbles past Houston Rockets guard Ish Smith (5) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

10. Shabazz Napier – Miami Heat/PG

This spot belongs to the Miami Heat point guard Shabazz Napier. Maybe it’s a bit biased, or maybe it’s because Napier is actually good and has been one of the most impressive rookies. There was no way I could leave Napier off of this list, not after the performances I’ve seen him have.

During the preseason, Napier’s play arguably made it known that he wanted to compete for a starting spot, and quite frankly I don’t blame him. The door is more wide open than Wet Willies on South Beach during Memorial Day Weekend. 

Because of Napier’s awesome preseason, Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra gave the rookie some minutes in the opening game of the season and he excelled. During Napier’s first game against the Washington Wizards, he impressed and made plays for the Heat to pull away later with a victory. Late in the fourth quarter Napier had a layup to give the Heat an 84-75 lead with 8:35 left.

His only two points of the game were impressive because he stayed within the course of the offense and helped the Heat when they needed a spark. In addition, in 15 minutes of playing time, Napier had two assists, three rebounds and one steal. Maybe Napier should make Coach Spoelstra do the trust fall and catch him before he even thinks about landing on the ground, because this rookie needs to become the starter at least thirty games in the new year.

Though the Miami Heat selected Napier to appease LeBron James and help make his decision to stay in Miami easier, it turned out as a blessing in disguise. When the Heat selected Napier it was as if they walked into a New Era hat store, saw a bunch of hats they loved, accidentally walked into the corner and bumped into a mannequin and saw an exclusive hat that was completely different, and they fell in love with.

Fans in Miami already enjoy watching this fiery, and clutch rookie play because of the confidence and flair that he plays with. It won’t become long when he’s within the starting lineup and creating easy scores off of the dribble for Chris Bosh and a cutting Dwyane Wade. Napier’s name who means “tablecloth” in French, is playing to his last name’s meaning because he is serving his competition on the court. At least he has the decency and manners to feast on his opponents using a tablecloth.

Next: 9. ELFRID PAYTON

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