Washington Wizards: Shabazz Napier shines in debut, should he be starting?

 Shabazz Napier made a memorable debut with the Washington Wizards on Friday night, prompting his own case for the team’s starting point guard.

Friday night’s win may be all about Bradley Beal and his miraculous game-winning layup. And that’s fine. But the one player making his debut for the Washington Wizards didn’t have a bad night either. When the Wizards acquired combo guard Shabazz Napier in exchange for Jordan McRae at Thursday’s deadline, not much was thought of the move.

But the six-year veteran quickly put an end to his dismissal, contributing largely to Washington’s crunchtime win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

Napier came off the bench and stuffed the stat line: 14 points, three assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block. He was everywhere from start to finish.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1225982593620836354

But it’s his strong play from Friday that raises questions ahead of the Wizards next game.

If Napier can come in and contribute like this nightly, should he be starting? Let’s take a look at the guard’s play, and why he may be the best fit for starting point guard going forward.

This Season

While he wasn’t the permanent starting point guard in Minnesota, he did man the position for a recent 22-game stretch. And the results, well they speak for themselves. Napier posted 11.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in that stretch at the helm of the offense.

Here’s a 24-point, 8-assist performance in a (very) rare Timberwolves win:

Napier is quick, a great ball-handler, with incredible vision for being just 6′ tall. He plays some solid on-ball defense, and moves the ball with leisure. Something Washington didn’t have the luxury of with Isaiah Thomas, whose injuries have slowed him down over the years.

And on the year, his per-36 numbers have shown promise: 14.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 1.7 steals. If Napier is given a longer leash in Washington, can he produce at the same level?

It’ll take the risk of experimenting to find out, and with Ish Smith’s role already set as leader of the second unit next season, maybe Brooks will opt to give Napier full reign for the rest of the year.

Speaking of…

‘2020’ Vision

If Napier gets the opportunity, and is bumped up to starting point guard, then that of course means Ish Smith will be demoted–again. But that’s not a bad thing.

On the contrary, most would argue that Smith has played the best ball of his career within the second unit of teams. He creates for offenses that are otherwise limited in shot selection and ball movement, and Washington is no exception.

It’s Smith’s first year with the Wizards, and he’s made about as big an impact as you can in just five months. It’s no coincidence that even at 18-32, Washington has the NBA’s 9th best offense.

And while John Wall most likely isn’t returning for the end of this season, the Wizards have big aspirations for when he does get back–mostly, another run at the postseason. And Smith, unless he’s moved (highly unlikely) will play backup for the franchise point guard.

Wouldn’t it make the most sense to continue him in that role going forward?  While he’s been known to adapt over his entire career, a lot of Smith’s current teammates will still be playing in the second unit next year. Maintaining the chemistry that’s already in place may take priority.

Going forward, coach Brooks has yet another decision to make regarding Washington’s rotations. But in his Wizards debut, Napier showed every sign of why he should be given at least, a crack, at the starting point guard slot. Time will tell.

The Washington Wizards will continue their playoff chase on Sunday evening when they host Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip-off is at 6 pm est.