Shabazz Napier on his return to Milan: 'It was an easy decision' / News - Basketnews.com

Shabazz Napier revealed that the decision to move from Crvena Zvezda to Olimpia Milan was easy, adding that the game against Real Madrid in Belgrade was crucial.

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio/Getty Images

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan guard Shabazz Napier says the decision to return to Italy was easy for him.

Free throws this season

76%11,1Points made:11,1Accuracy:75,9%Place in standings:17Record max:21Record min:5Most made FTs:Shavon ShieldsTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"There were many rumors before my return, but the real turning point was the game against Real Madrid in Belgrade," Napier revealed in an interview with Luca Chiabotti from La Repubblica. "The next day, my agent closed [the deal] with Milan. For me, it was an easy decision to come back."

"I never had anything negative towards Milan. It's a beautiful city, the Armani organization is superb with a great coach and teammates with whom I get along very well. It's great to continue with Olimpia. We have already won together, and we can end this season with something great, too," Napier added.

Napier also talked about his role with Olimpia Milan, emphasizing his main tasks.

"I have to try to give some confidence to the team and work hard to put all the great players in a position to give their best and facilitate group chemistry. We are a very good team capable of achieving something big," Napier said.

"We still have many games left to put ourselves in a position to play in the EuroLeague playoffs and make a lot of noise. As long as we continue to improve, [we need to approach] one game after the other," he added.

After returning to Milan, Napier averages 11.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 10.7 PIR per game in 6 appearances.

Overall, the 32-year-old averages 10.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 8.7 PIR per game in 18 appearances for Crvena Zvezda and Milan.

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