Charlotte Hornets Select at Shabazz Napier No. 24

Shabazz Napier, out of the University of Connecticut, was selected by the Hornets and traded to the Miami Heat. At UCONN he followed in the footsteps of former Husky legend Kemba Walker and led the team to a nation title during his senior season. In similar fashion to Walker he was dominant throughout the NCAA tournament and really put himself on the map prior to the NBA draft. Throughout his college career he displayed great leadership and was never afraid to step up and to take the big shot. He was a consistent scorer during his time in Storrs, averaging 17.1 PPG as a junior and 18 PPG as a senior. He was also able to increase his three point percentage every season while at UCONN, a credit to his strong work ethic.

Landing in Miami is an ideal situation for Napier. Right now the team is in limbo with LeBron James opting out and questions abound as to whether the Big Three will reunite. Not only is the return of the big three in question but last year’s starting point guard Mario Chalmers will be a free agent this offseason, as of now, leaving the team with only Norris Cole to man the point guard duties. This will be a great opportunity for Napier to come in right away and compete for minutes and possibly even contend for a starting role. Adding Napier is one move that should help the team right away. He will be ready to play early on, and with his personality will be eager to prove to all the teams who passed on him that they have made a monumental mistake. Despite being a late first round pick, Napier is one guy who could come in right away and make an impact next season.