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 YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 24: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center on November 24, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

What can Napier bring to the Brooklyn Nets?

The former Trailblazer guard can bring a lot to Brooklyn. He’s bounced around the NBA, Napier has played was fairly consistent last season. The Nets will be Napier’s fourth NBA team but that experience can be a great tool for Brooklyn.

Napier can be considered as a veteran guard. He will be entering his fifth season in the NBA but has a lot of experience in different NBA levels.

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He has been on both losing and winning teams since his rookie season in 2014-15, so he has a good understanding of what the Nets need, especially in a rebuilding mode. Also, who does not remember the run he went on to lead Connecticut during his college years?

He is a two-time NCAA champion who excelled. Now, that was years ago and not every part of his game transferred over well to the NBA level, but he knows what it takes to win as an underdog. Besides his experience, let’s break down how his playing style fits with Brooklyn.

His play on both ends of the floor is what Brooklyn want especially for a backup point guard. His experience gives Atkinson more flexibility to shift Russell or Dinwiddie off the ball.

When he comes off the bench, he will have two clear assignments on the offensive end; to score and maintain the ball movement. Brooklyn have Dinwiddie for that role, but Napier can play with either Russell or Dinwiddie moving to the 2.

Keep in mind, Brooklyn likes to run a small ball offense. Napier’s play on the offensive end will fit well with this type of offense. Besides the ball movement, scoring will be the most noticeable factor in his play.

Now, Napier is a good offensive player but his defense was probably the reason Nets general manager went after Napier. The Nets have struggled with bench unit defense in the back court, but Napier is a good fit.

As said before, he is a great all-around backcourt defender. Brooklyn needed a good defensive guard asset off the bench and Brooklyn got one for a good deal.

Overall, the addition of Napier was a good move by Brooklyn. Now, at this moment, it is not clear if Napier will be a piece in Brooklyn for the long haul, but it is a low-risk move adding him. His deal does include a team option for the second year.

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So if he does not fit with what the Nets want him to do, Brooklyn has the power to let him go after the 2018-19 season. It will be interesting to see how the guard fits and will play with Brooklyn next season.