NBA Draft 2014: Shabazz Napier garners interest from Miami Heat
By Brad Rowland
The Miami Heat are reeling a bit on the heels of their five-game defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals, but aside from concerns about their “big three”, the two-time recent champions are in possession of a valuable commodity with the 26th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. With that pick, they have every opportunity to grab a piece that could bring impact immediately, and one report maintains that Miami could have interest in UConn point guard and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Shabazz Napier.
Two names I'm hearing for the Heat at 26 - UConn's Shabazz Napier + Iowa State's DeAndre Kane. Miami could sell pick but eye proven PG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 19, 2014
It should be noted that there is a conceivable scenario in which Napier is off the board by the time the Heat have a selection, but if he is available, this partnership makes a great deal of sense. As noted by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, Miami would certainly be looking for a player who can immediately contribute, and Napier’s experience and polished game would fit the bill nicely, especially at a position of relative need.
At the moment, ESPN’s Chad Ford has Napier being selected with the 19th pick by the Chicago Bulls and Draft Express pegs Napier to the Charlotte Hornets with the 24th pick, but it would be easy to see Pat Riley and company crossing their fingers for a swift fall down the board. Shabazz Napier will be helping someone in his rookie campaign, and it could easily be the Miami Heat.