Boston Celtics: 4 free agents to consider should league expand rosters
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics target No. 2) Shabazz Napier
Next up, we see sixth-year point guard, Shabazz Napier.
A former four-year standout at UCONN (2010-14) who, coincidently, backed up current Boston Celtics franchise floor general, Kemba Walker, during his freshman season, the 29-year-old last saw himself employed by the Washington Wizards in 2019-20, where he actually produced at a career-best pace.
In 24 minutes of action per game, Napier posted averages of 11.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals a night on 43 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep.
Still at just 29-years-old, the guard is a free agent point guard in the prime of his career.
No, he’s not an elite player, but he has proven capable of serving as a sound spark plug off the pine – and in the starting lineup if need be — that can create offense both for himself and teammates, while also serving as a quality floor spacer (34.5 percent career 3-point average).
With the uncertainty that is Walker’s knee, you can never be too careful with insurance policies at the one. With this in mind, why not get a player who served in this exact role during their collegiate days.