Nothin' But Nets
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What can Brooklyn expect out of Shabazz Napier?

By Chris Milholen

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets, Shabazz Napier
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2017-18 season for Napier and his playing style

Last season, Napier had the best year of his career, averaging career highs almost  across the board. He played a total of 74 games and started 10 games for the Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-1 point guard was the primary backup for All-Star guard Damian Lillard.

Napier was not just a point guard with Portland last season. He played along side Lillard, with the All-Star playing off the ball at the 2, and showed he can play really well.

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    • On the offensive end, Napier is a good scorer. Despite his height, he is not afraid to drive the ball through traffic and finish. He does a great job of drawing fouls while driving and finishing the play. The 6-foot-1 guard also became a more consistent shooter.

    He can shoot from both mid-range and from behind the arc with great confidence. Although he is known for his scoring mentality, one area that is overlooked on the offensive end is his passing ability. He is a brilliant passer who reads the defense and makes good decisions with the ball.

    Last season Napier averaged 20.7 minutes, 8.7 points and 2.0 assists per game. Now let’s breakdown his defense.

    On the defensive end, he has a great basketball IQ. He is a steal threat who can make a steal into easy transition points. One reason why he is a good steal threat is his speed. He has great reflexes and can fool opposing players into making poor decisions.

    The guard also plays with high pressure. He does not let his assignment get space and plays tight defense. He averaged 1.1 steals last season.