By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Shabazz Napier is a prime target of Panathinaikos, however, Olimpia Milan is also in need of a boost in the backcourt and per Eurohoops sources the club is also in advanced talks with the player.
With very few hopes of salvaging their EuroLeague season, coach Ettore Messina asked with a public message for the support of Milan’s fanbase. And while he is recently downplayed the possibility of an addition to the roster, Napier has the quality to really help the team achieve their goals at least in the domestic Italian competitions.
Napier is not a stranger to European basketball. He was mentioned during the summer as a potential target of Crvena Zvezda, after signing a one-year contract with Zenit Saint Petersburg for the 2021-22 season with Zenit St. Petersburg.
However, the 31-years old guard picked up an injury in the preseason and while projected to return to action instead departed in February following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the persisting war in the country of Eastern Europe.
He ended up this season in the G-League with the Capitanes, the team based in Mexico City, from where he is expected to leave soon.
Coming out of the University of Connecticut as a two-time NCAA champion, he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 24th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He went on to appear in 354 games producing 7.0 points, 2.4 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest between the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Washington Wizards.
Encestando.es first reported on Twitter that Napier “is very close to signing with Armani Milan”.