Meeting The Heat’s New Additions

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Shabazz Napier, Point Guard:

It’s way too early to tell whether scouting director-in-training LeBron James missed the mark on Napier, but the rookie struggled in Summer League, shooting 27% from the field, in 9 games.

Good thing is that he won’t be thrusted immediately into an important role, as he’s third on the point guard depth chart behind Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole. But if he can get up to speed, he makes Cole expendable, which would allow Miami to use him a trade chip (for a wing player) or let him walk next summer.

The good news is that he’s a former first team All-American that played all four years – two of which ended with NCAA titles – so the kid has pedigree and experience to draw on. He shot 43% this past season (41% from three), as he led UConn to the National Championship, earning himself the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. The Heat already have someone on the roster that won both a National Championship and Most Outstanding Player honors – Chalmers – who has given them success at point guard. Can lightning strike twice?