Dwyane Wade: Shabazz Napier ‘Getting Better Every Time He Steps on the Floor’
By Wes Goldberg
Dwyane Wade is excited for the infusion of youth on the Miami Heat roster. For a guy who missed more than 20 games last season with knee issues, the young guys being ready to play significant minutes should help him.
It seems that they are. Shabazz Napier has gotten better in every preseason game, finishing with a team-high 25 points, as well as four assists and one turnover in 32 minutes, in the Heat’s preseason win against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night.
James Ennis, in his first NBA season after playing overseas for a year, has shown explosive athleticism this preseason. Both should figure into the Heat’s rotation this season, and Wade believes they can help the team.
From Barry Jackson for the Miami Herald.
"“Our front office did a great job of finding these young guys at the right time,” Wade said. “If they came before they wouldn’t have developed like they can now. Couple of these guys can really help us this year. We haven’t had that a lot since I’ve been here.” […]“He has figured out how to be successful within his limits of height,” Wade said. “He’s a tough kid. I’ve seen that early in training camp. He’s only getting better every time he steps on the floor.”"
Wade seems specifically high on Napier, who has taken the Heat fan base by storm with his flashy play and late-game heroics. His ability to get shooters in position and find way to score is more natural than that of either Mario Chalmers or Norris Cole. While starting the season at point guard may be a long shot, if he continues at this pace of development he will be Miami’s best point guard by the end of the season.
As for Ennis, he’s earning the right to play more minutes in the perimeter rotation, and could push Danny Granger for playing time. Ennis figures to be involved in the shooting guard and small forward rotation, and his athleticism could be a go-to for Erik Spoelstra when calling from his bull pen.
We’ve heard nothing but good things regarding these two from players and coaches, and it’s not all media play. Watching the games, there is certainly something to it. Both will play more, earlier, than we originally anticipated.