"Napier is well-known amongst Heat fans as being the player who was drafted because of LeBron James. While that's not 100 percent proven, it's hard to push back against that theory with everything we know. Back in 2014, the Heat were scrambling to ensure that LeBron would re-sign with the team. His contract was up, and Miami was trying to keep the Big 3 intact. Part of their efforts during that summer included selecting Napier in the 2014 NBA Draft."
"No way u take another PG in the lottery before Napier.- LeBron James (@KingJames) April 8, 2014 Shortly after the Heat selected Napier in the draft, LeBron also tweeted his pleasure in it, stating that it was his favorite player in the draft. However, as history goes, that content didn't last long. LeBron would go on to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Heat and would sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers,"
Shabazz Napier moved from playing into coaching after being hired by the Washington Wizards. The Miami Heat selected Napier in the 2014 NBA Draft during efforts to retain LeBron James and keep the Big 3 intact, and LeBron publicly urged the pick. LeBron later opted out and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, leaving Napier a focal point for fan frustration. Napier spent one season with Miami, averaging five points and three assists on 38 percent shooting, and played for six teams across six NBA seasons. Napier excelled in college but ultimately did not meet the higher professional expectations.
Read at All U Can Heat
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