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Shabazz Napier has had great success since he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2014 NBA Draft. The renowned basketball player began playing basketball in college to make a name for himself in the sport. Napier has won the title of Most Outstanding Player in the 2014 NCAA tournament and in his professional career, he has played for several NBA teams. Aside from his life on the court, there is so much more to know about Shabazz Napier. Here are lesser-known facts about the NBA player.
Bio (Age) of Shabazz Napier
He was born on July 14, 1991, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, the son of his Puerto Rican mother Carmen Velásquez. Shabazz grew up in the Mission Hill projects in Boston and had a tendency to play basketball and started playing at a very young age. He attended Charlestown High School in Massachusetts and the Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts. Napier ensured that he made a name for himself during his time at the Lawrence Academy by setting impressive records at school. Throughout his stay, he led the school’s team to many victories and was even named MVP of the tournament.
After high school, Napier moved to the University of Connecticut in 2010 where he played college basketball. He supported Kemba Walker as a freshman, played all 41 games of the season, and achieved an average of 7.8 points. The school team, then led by coach Jim Calhoun, felt Napier’s influence as he led them to victory in the Big East Conference Championship and the 2011 National Championship. Shabazz Napier became even better in his second season, averaging 13.0 points and 5.8 assists, far better than his performance in his first year.
Shabazz Napier became increasingly popular in the junior season after being voted one of the best backcourts in the USA. It was truly a remarkable year for the future NBA player, who also scored his 1000th career point this season. After an impressive performance, he was named Big East Player of the Year and was also elected to the Big East All-First Team. At the end of his junior season, he had an average of 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
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His senior season is also unforgettable, as Napier led his team to the game for the national championship and achieved an average of 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
After a record-breaking college basketball stint, Napier was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets 24th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was then transferred to the Miami Heat, where he was signed to four summer league games after an average of 10.2 points. In April 2015, almost a year after he was drafted, Napier suffered from an inguinal hernia and had to undergo surgery. He soon recovered and rejoined the Miami Heat in July of the same year.
His next professional assignment was with Orlando Magic, where he switched to retail. He played for the team from 2015 to 2016 before joining the Portland Trail Blazers, also in retail. Napier played for the Blazers for two years before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018. The NBA player has also played for the Puerto Rican national team. Napier’s mother is his manager and takes care of all his legal affairs.
Shabazz Napier Net Worth and Salary
He may not be the richest, but Shabazz Napier has an enviable financial status, which he can show for his very interesting career. Napier’s contract with the Portland Trail Blazers was worth over $2 million, a margin that was considered high among point guards. The renowned basketball player received a salary of $1,238,640 during his time with Miami Heat.
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Napier received a salary of $1,350,120 for his first year with the Blazers. His rookie year was even better, earning a whopping $2,361,359 in salary for the next season with the team. Although he treats his private life very privately, the estimated net amount for the NBA player is $1.3 million.
Body Measurements – Height, Weight
Shabazz Napier has the right body to match his career. He stands at a height of 1.85 m (6ft 1in), which is in good proportion to his weight of 79 kg (174 lbs). Napier makes his record-breaking baskets with his long wingspan, which measures at 6’2. The big offensive point guard is known for his fearlessness and confidence in the court.