By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shabazz Napier has left Russia and Zenit Saint Petersburg, as reported by Artem Komarov.
Napier, 30, would have departed and was already prepared to return to the USA anyway because he did not feel he was ready to play, as noted in the latest update on his status.
The American-Puerto Rican point guard had been recovering from an ankle injury suffered early in the 2021-22 season, prior to the launch of the ongoing editions of both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and VTB United League. Zenit had listed him as available to finally debut in Europe’s premier club continental competition. He was projected to take the court against FC Barcelona but the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 27 game initially scheduled to be held yesterday, Friday, was suspended following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During the preseason, Napier had made his way to the VTB United League SuperCup. In a brilliant debut, he scored 33 points versus UNICS Kazan but was injured after only 30 seconds on the floor opposite CSKA Moscow. His side lost the inaugural season’s championship game, 81-73, at Moscow’s VTB Arena.
Coming out of Connecticut as a two-time NCAA champion, he was selected with the 24th overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He went on to play in 354 NBA games, including nine Playoff tilts, moving between the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Washington Wizards. His last appearance dates back to the 2019-20 season.
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