Shabazz Napier returns to Milan / News - Basketnews.com

Shabazz Napier has completed his move from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade to his former team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

Credit: Roberto Finizio - Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio - Getty Images

After months of controversy, Shabazz Napier returned to his former team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, until the end of the season.

Shabazz Napier

MIN:17.73PTS:9.75 (44.7%)REB:1.67As:2.33ST:1.33BL:0TO:1.83GM:12ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

The American guard was a marquee addition to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade this past summer, making a big splash. However, his time in Serbia was marred by injuries, lasting for just 11 EuroLeague games with averages of 9.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 7.8 PIR.

Before his arrival in Serbia, Napier had made a strong impact on Olimpia Milano's 2022-23 season, which he joined after the halfway mark of the season and propelled them back into contention for the 2023 EuroLeague Playoffs, which they ultimately missed.

In 12 games last season, he posted big numbers of 15.0 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals for a 16.4 PIR.

The return of Napier to Milan is noteworthy,especially considering his past disagreement with the team's head coach, Ettore Messina, in November.

Messina claimed that Napier wanted to return to Milan at that time, citing alleged high salary demands as the reason for his departure in the summer.

In response to Messina's comments, Napier took to his Instagram story to address the situation.

"Ok, I get it. Your team didn't start the way you would like, and neither have I, but just stop using me as the reason," Napier wrote. "I'm dealing with my own difficulties at the moment as a player, but I'm happy I'm with Red Star, and I will be better for them. 2 statements about a player who's no longer a part of the team. Just let it go.

"Stop lying to your fans to fix your trouble ways," he added.

Despite the controversy between the two men, it appears that they will put aside their differences to try and turn around Olimpia Milano's season.

The Italian team had a slow start to the season plagued by many injuries. They currently have a record of 6-9 and will host Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on December 22.

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