2014 draft prospect: Shabazz Napier = poor man Steph Curry?

[Tr1boy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBwsGHAK2SI

If Rondo is traded from draft night to 2015 seasons trade deadline, i think it would be a good insurance to have a another starting pg ready to step in. And an easy way to do this will be on draft night.  I would like to draft Exum but if not with our 2nd pick Shabazz Napier (if he even is available).

I've watched highlights of his recent/past performances and i thought i was watching Steph Curry on the court.  He is a deadly shooter from the three point line. Quick release, high release and finishes with a step back.  He is fearless, and will shoot at critical points of the game and make shots. Improved ball distributer and underrated defender also.

Thoughts? Any other pg we could consider with either of our 1st or 2nd 1st pick range?

[frosty33]

hes pretty good, i remember when he used to play for charlestown high school a couple of years ago. I wouldn't say Steph Curry thoo...... he is inconsistent at times although he does fill up the stat sheet some nights

[Tr1boy]

hes pretty good, i remember when he used to play for charlestown high school a couple of years ago. I wouldn't say Steph Curry thoo...... he is inconsistent at times although he does fill up the stat sheet some nights

He might be inconsistent at times but he has similar stats to curry (except pts per game).   Now i'm not saying he is going to be like Curry exactly. Maybe a 80 percent version

They both have similarities from size to ability to shoot at clutch situations.

Would you draft him with our 2nd 1st?

[AlaaAbdelnaby]

Both good athletes, but Curry's ability to shoot is out of this world. Napier (as of now) doesn't have such an off-the charts skill set.

[Tr1boy]

Both good athletes, but Curry's ability to shoot is out of this world. Napier (as of now) doesn't have such an off-the charts skill set.

you saw the clip above. That is pretty good though. He shot it over three decent taller defenders with a hand in his face.

I know he is not out of this world like Curry. Curry scored on avg 28 vs 18 by napier. I do see upside in Napiers game as he gets stronger

[guava_wrench]

If you are going to compare someone to Curry, he better be a clear lottery pick.

It is just lazy to compare second rounders to all NBA caliber players.

[clover]

DraftExpress has him going 57th in the draft.

[syfy9]

from nbadraft.net. Projected 36th overall.

NBA Comparison: Tyronn Lue/Derek Fisher

Strengths: Napier is a gamer. He has a knack for making big plays and raising his game against great opponents…This season, he's become more of a distributor and has been less concerned with scoring. His assist total has raised from 4.6 per game to 5.9… Excellent on-ball defender with great hands (2.1 SPG) … Has become a much more efficient scorer this year. His field goal percentage has risen from 44% to 50% and, more dramatically, his three-point percentage has risen from 40% to 57% … An excellent rebounding guard, with 7 RPG thus far this season … Great at "shifting gears" with the ball in his hands. He can blow by the average college defender with ease … Stat sheet stuffer. Has become a legitimate triple-double threat this year with his increased rebound and assist totals ... Deadly step-back jumper … Fearless. Confident. Plays with a swagger, truly believes in himself ... Very good shooter coming off screens … Great finisher in transition … Solid free throw shooter (78% this season) …

Weaknesses: Can be a bit of a ball-dominator at times. Does a lot of dribbling … Does not have great athleticism or length (6'1" with a 6'3" wingspan) ... This will limit his defensive ability at the next level … Likes to have the ball in his hands down the stretch and looks to take the big shot, but he really hasn't had consistent success in these situations ... He's only hit three last-second game-winners in his college career and the game-winner against Florida on December 2nd was actually his first career buzzer beater to win a game at UConn and it came after rebound of his own missed shot. Oftentimes, Napier would be better off finding a teammate when defenses collapse on him, something he does well the first 39 minutes of a game … Streaky offensive player, although his shot has become much more consistent thus far in his senior season … Prone to forcing questionable shots … For a player who drives to the hoop as often as he does, Napier doesn't get to the free throw stripe that often. Only averaging 4.6 attempts per game this season … Assistant coaches at UConn questioned his maturity and leadership (off the record with scouts) early in his college career, though he has matured since ... Will turn 23 a few weeks after the draft, older for a senior ...

Notes: Was a key contributor coming off the bench to the UConn National Championship team led by Kemba Walker ... Named 2013 All-Big East…UConn co-captain…Measured 6'1 (in shoes) 182 lbs, with a 6'2 wingspan at the 2011 Deron Williams Skills Academy ... Measured 6'1.5 (in shoes) 185 lbs, with a 6'4 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Guard Skills Academy

Overall: Napier is a great offensive point guard but he sometimes tries to do too much ... He generally steps up and elevates his game in the big moments for UConn, but his limited size and athleticism is something that will hurt his draft stock regardless of what he does on the court ... He'll get looks in the NBA based off what he's done at the college level and once he's there, he could do really well as a backup point guard or even a starter, or he could be out of the league within a few years…

Jacob Stallard 12/16/13

[Tr1boy]

from nbadraft.net. Projected 36th overall.

NBA Comparison: Tyronn Lue/Derek Fisher

Strengths: Napier is a gamer. He has a knack for making big plays and raising his game against great opponents…This season, he's become more of a distributor and has been less concerned with scoring. His assist total has raised from 4.6 per game to 5.9… Excellent on-ball defender with great hands (2.1 SPG) … Has become a much more efficient scorer this year. His field goal percentage has risen from 44% to 50% and, more dramatically, his three-point percentage has risen from 40% to 57% … An excellent rebounding guard, with 7 RPG thus far this season … Great at "shifting gears" with the ball in his hands. He can blow by the average college defender with ease … Stat sheet stuffer. Has become a legitimate triple-double threat this year with his increased rebound and assist totals ... Deadly step-back jumper … Fearless. Confident. Plays with a swagger, truly believes in himself ... Very good shooter coming off screens … Great finisher in transition … Solid free throw shooter (78% this season) …

Weaknesses: Can be a bit of a ball-dominator at times. Does a lot of dribbling … Does not have great athleticism or length (6'1" with a 6'3" wingspan) ... This will limit his defensive ability at the next level … Likes to have the ball in his hands down the stretch and looks to take the big shot, but he really hasn't had consistent success in these situations ... He's only hit three last-second game-winners in his college career and the game-winner against Florida on December 2nd was actually his first career buzzer beater to win a game at UConn and it came after rebound of his own missed shot. Oftentimes, Napier would be better off finding a teammate when defenses collapse on him, something he does well the first 39 minutes of a game … Streaky offensive player, although his shot has become much more consistent thus far in his senior season … Prone to forcing questionable shots … For a player who drives to the hoop as often as he does, Napier doesn't get to the free throw stripe that often. Only averaging 4.6 attempts per game this season … Assistant coaches at UConn questioned his maturity and leadership (off the record with scouts) early in his college career, though he has matured since ... Will turn 23 a few weeks after the draft, older for a senior ...

Notes: Was a key contributor coming off the bench to the UConn National Championship team led by Kemba Walker ... Named 2013 All-Big East…UConn co-captain…Measured 6'1 (in shoes) 182 lbs, with a 6'2 wingspan at the 2011 Deron Williams Skills Academy ... Measured 6'1.5 (in shoes) 185 lbs, with a 6'4 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Guard Skills Academy

Overall: Napier is a great offensive point guard but he sometimes tries to do too much ... He generally steps up and elevates his game in the big moments for UConn, but his limited size and athleticism is something that will hurt his draft stock regardless of what he does on the court ... He'll get looks in the NBA based off what he's done at the college level and once he's there, he could do really well as a backup point guard or even a starter, or he could be out of the league within a few years…

Jacob Stallard 12/16/13

thanks for the post.

Good part also is that he has improved his stats every year in college. Impressive three pt shooting stat.  If Danny wants to get an insurance PG with our 2nd 1st, Napier is going to be probably one of the better choices.

[Tr1boy]

If you are going to compare someone to Curry, he better be a clear lottery pick.

It is just lazy to compare second rounders to all NBA caliber players.

Who would you compare napier to then? Steph Curry is better but imo i see similarities.  The clip above you saw is not a fluke one game. Or two. Napier has been playing pretty consistent all year long and has had several big games (25 + point games). Definitely can score, something we could use from the bench also

[Tr1boy]

Draftexpress clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4ZymR0_hpw

[slamtheking]

from nbadraft.net. Projected 36th overall.

NBA Comparison: Tyronn Lue/Derek Fisher

Strengths: Napier is a gamer. He has a knack for making big plays and raising his game against great opponents…This season, he's become more of a distributor and has been less concerned with scoring. His assist total has raised from 4.6 per game to 5.9… Excellent on-ball defender with great hands (2.1 SPG) … Has become a much more efficient scorer this year. His field goal percentage has risen from 44% to 50% and, more dramatically, his three-point percentage has risen from 40% to 57% … An excellent rebounding guard, with 7 RPG thus far this season … Great at "shifting gears" with the ball in his hands. He can blow by the average college defender with ease … Stat sheet stuffer. Has become a legitimate triple-double threat this year with his increased rebound and assist totals ... Deadly step-back jumper … Fearless. Confident. Plays with a swagger, truly believes in himself ... Very good shooter coming off screens … Great finisher in transition … Solid free throw shooter (78% this season) …

Weaknesses: Can be a bit of a ball-dominator at times. Does a lot of dribbling … Does not have great athleticism or length (6'1" with a 6'3" wingspan) ... This will limit his defensive ability at the next level … Likes to have the ball in his hands down the stretch and looks to take the big shot, but he really hasn't had consistent success in these situations ... He's only hit three last-second game-winners in his college career and the game-winner against Florida on December 2nd was actually his first career buzzer beater to win a game at UConn and it came after rebound of his own missed shot. Oftentimes, Napier would be better off finding a teammate when defenses collapse on him, something he does well the first 39 minutes of a game … Streaky offensive player, although his shot has become much more consistent thus far in his senior season … Prone to forcing questionable shots … For a player who drives to the hoop as often as he does, Napier doesn't get to the free throw stripe that often. Only averaging 4.6 attempts per game this season … Assistant coaches at UConn questioned his maturity and leadership (off the record with scouts) early in his college career, though he has matured since ... Will turn 23 a few weeks after the draft, older for a senior ...

Notes: Was a key contributor coming off the bench to the UConn National Championship team led by Kemba Walker ... Named 2013 All-Big East…UConn co-captain…Measured 6'1 (in shoes) 182 lbs, with a 6'2 wingspan at the 2011 Deron Williams Skills Academy ... Measured 6'1.5 (in shoes) 185 lbs, with a 6'4 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Guard Skills Academy

Overall: Napier is a great offensive point guard but he sometimes tries to do too much ... He generally steps up and elevates his game in the big moments for UConn, but his limited size and athleticism is something that will hurt his draft stock regardless of what he does on the court ... He'll get looks in the NBA based off what he's done at the college level and once he's there, he could do really well as a backup point guard or even a starter, or he could be out of the league within a few years…

Jacob Stallard 12/16/13

thanks for the post.

Good part also is that he has improved his stats every year in college. Impressive three pt shooting stat.  If Danny wants to get an insurance PG with our 2nd 1st, Napier is going to be probably one of the better choices.

he's projected to go early second round.  I would hope that Danny could easily find much better value at (worst case scenario) the 21st pick of the first round.

[Tr1boy]

from nbadraft.net. Projected 36th overall.

NBA Comparison: Tyronn Lue/Derek Fisher

Strengths: Napier is a gamer. He has a knack for making big plays and raising his game against great opponents…This season, he's become more of a distributor and has been less concerned with scoring. His assist total has raised from 4.6 per game to 5.9… Excellent on-ball defender with great hands (2.1 SPG) … Has become a much more efficient scorer this year. His field goal percentage has risen from 44% to 50% and, more dramatically, his three-point percentage has risen from 40% to 57% … An excellent rebounding guard, with 7 RPG thus far this season … Great at "shifting gears" with the ball in his hands. He can blow by the average college defender with ease … Stat sheet stuffer. Has become a legitimate triple-double threat this year with his increased rebound and assist totals ... Deadly step-back jumper … Fearless. Confident. Plays with a swagger, truly believes in himself ... Very good shooter coming off screens … Great finisher in transition … Solid free throw shooter (78% this season) …

Weaknesses: Can be a bit of a ball-dominator at times. Does a lot of dribbling … Does not have great athleticism or length (6'1" with a 6'3" wingspan) ... This will limit his defensive ability at the next level … Likes to have the ball in his hands down the stretch and looks to take the big shot, but he really hasn't had consistent success in these situations ... He's only hit three last-second game-winners in his college career and the game-winner against Florida on December 2nd was actually his first career buzzer beater to win a game at UConn and it came after rebound of his own missed shot. Oftentimes, Napier would be better off finding a teammate when defenses collapse on him, something he does well the first 39 minutes of a game … Streaky offensive player, although his shot has become much more consistent thus far in his senior season … Prone to forcing questionable shots … For a player who drives to the hoop as often as he does, Napier doesn't get to the free throw stripe that often. Only averaging 4.6 attempts per game this season … Assistant coaches at UConn questioned his maturity and leadership (off the record with scouts) early in his college career, though he has matured since ... Will turn 23 a few weeks after the draft, older for a senior ...

Notes: Was a key contributor coming off the bench to the UConn National Championship team led by Kemba Walker ... Named 2013 All-Big East…UConn co-captain…Measured 6'1 (in shoes) 182 lbs, with a 6'2 wingspan at the 2011 Deron Williams Skills Academy ... Measured 6'1.5 (in shoes) 185 lbs, with a 6'4 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Guard Skills Academy

Overall: Napier is a great offensive point guard but he sometimes tries to do too much ... He generally steps up and elevates his game in the big moments for UConn, but his limited size and athleticism is something that will hurt his draft stock regardless of what he does on the court ... He'll get looks in the NBA based off what he's done at the college level and once he's there, he could do really well as a backup point guard or even a starter, or he could be out of the league within a few years…

Jacob Stallard 12/16/13

thanks for the post.

Good part also is that he has improved his stats every year in college. Impressive three pt shooting stat.  If Danny wants to get an insurance PG with our 2nd 1st, Napier is going to be probably one of the better choices.

he's projected to go early second round.  I would hope that Danny could easily find much better value at (worst case scenario) the 21st pick of the first round.

You cant take the current projections to be the actual projections by draft day.

Steph curry in 2009 went 7th when he really should of been drafted 2nd or 3rd.

Napier is a first round talent imo.

[McHales Pits]

I am a UConn fan and I watch almost every game. Napier's game is a reflection of how Kemba Walker plays - not Stephen Curry. He is a slightly undersized, yet fearless and tough point guard that does it all for this year's Husky team and isn't afraid of taking the big shot. Remarkably, he leads the team in points, boards, assists, and steals. He is active on the floor and has great anticipation with a nose for the ball which lead to his rebounding numbers (though it just infuriates me that we have no low post presence and our big men are allergic to the ball).

Though Kemba has begun to emerge as a legit player in the NBA, I don't think Napier will ever be more than a backup in the Association. Due to his slight frame, he has trouble finishing inside at times which forces him to drift outside and take the outside shot. This is something he is above average with, but not exceptional - especially with the NBA three point line being further back.

He is highly coachable, tough, and intelligent on the floor and if he was available for the taking anytime in the late 1st (past 24th pick) or into the second, then Id be glad to see him on the Cs. He would no doubt be an upgrade over Pressey (better shooting, scoring, athletically, but not as good with his facilitation and court vision). Just as he benefited from playing behind Kemba, I think he could benefit greatly from playing behind Rondo and learning the skills that it takes to be a good point guard in the NBA.

[Tr1boy]

I am a UConn fan and I watch almost every game. Napier's game is a reflection of how Kemba Walker plays - not Stephen Curry. He is a slightly undersized, yet fearless and tough point guard that does it all for this year's Husky team and isn't afraid of taking the big shot. Remarkably, he leads the team in points, boards, assists, and steals. He is active on the floor and has great anticipation with a nose for the ball which lead to his rebounding numbers (though it just infuriates me that we have no low post presence and our big men are allergic to the ball).

Though Kemba has begun to emerge as a legit player in the NBA, I don't think Napier will ever be more than a backup in the Association. Due to his slight frame, he has trouble finishing inside at times which forces him to drift outside and take the outside shot. This is something he is above average with, but not exceptional - especially with the NBA three point line being further back.

He is highly coachable, tough, and intelligent on the floor and if he was available for the taking anytime in the late 1st (past 24th pick) or into the second, then Id be glad to see him on the Cs. He would no doubt be an upgrade over Pressey (better shooting, scoring, athletically, but not as good with his facilitation and court vision). Just as he benefited from playing behind Kemba, I think he could benefit greatly from playing behind Rondo and learning the skills that it takes to be a good point guard in the NBA.

I disagree with some things you said. Napiers inability to always finish around the basket is similar weakness that curry possesses.

His fearlessness, ability to paralyze defenders with his dribble before shooting and ability to shoot the three at a high rate screams curry.

Kemba walker plays more like john wall. Just wild at times. And is not a great three pt shooter

Napier like you said maybe an nba backup for now but who knows with a better body could be a starter. He has improved every year in college