Chicago Bulls: 5 veteran point guards that could add value
By Ryan Heckman
Shabazz Napier
2018 Free Agency Status: Restricted
2017-2018 Highlights: 20.7 MPG, 8.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 37.6 PCT from beyond the arc
You remember the Shabazz Napier from his NCAA Tournament days. The kid could flat out score — and he still can. Napier seemed to finally come into his own last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, offering them a solid option off the bench to spell Damian Lillard for just under 21 minutes per game.
While the stat line doesn’t look outstanding, Napier really did improve quite a bit this past season. He posted career-highs in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage.
Napier would be a guy I’d like to see the Bulls take a shot on to come in and push for minutes. Not only would he likely push Payne and Holiday down the depth chart, but he could light a little bit of a fire beneath Dunn with how much improvement he’s shown. Napier could be a real solid addition to the rotation and give the Bulls significant minutes off the bench. The only problem is that his status remains restricted for this year.
How much would the Blazers be willing to spend for their breakout backup point guard? That’s the real question.