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NBA Draft Rumors: Bulls interested in Shabazz Napier to help out Derrick Rose

By Jack Crosby

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been no secret that the focus for the Chicago Bulls in this week’s draft is getting star Derrick Rose some help for when he returns fully healthy this season. Of course, there are a variety of ways the team could go, and according to CBS’ Matt Moore, one plausible route they can take in the first round is the selection of a two-time national champion, and someone that plays the same position as Rose, UConn’s Shabazz Napier.

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Napier is coming off one of the best postseason performances in the history of the storied UConn program, which culminated with the national title game win over the Kentucky Wildcats this past April.

In that run, Napier showed the continued ability to not only be one of the best ball handlers at the collegiate level, but he has a knack for getting the hot shooting hand when needed in crucial scenarios.

Again, as Moore writes, although they play the same position, it makes a lot of sense for the Bulls to bring in the four-year starter.

"Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reports that they’re looking at the UConn star. Chicago needs a solution at backup point guard and stylistically, Napier is similar to Rose, without, of course, the elite athleticism. But he can defend adequately and provides floor presence, which they need. Young point guards have not done well under Tom Thibodeau, especially prospects. Going with the older, more polished Napier might be the best fit."

He pointed to maturity, and at this point with where the Bulls are at as a team, especially with a healthy Rose, that could go a long way in helping the team get to the NBA Finals, rather than having to slowly break in an unpolished stud.

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