Shabazz Napier to return to Milan / News - Basketnews.com

Shabazz Napier, who joined Crvena Zvezda in the off-season, is set to sign with his former team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, following an injury-hit stint in Serbia and amid past disputes.

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

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has confirmed that Shabazz Napier will be signing with his former team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, in the near future.

Free throws this season

75%11,8Points made:11,8Accuracy:75,3%Place in standings:16Record max:17Record min:8Most made FTs:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"He is not with us anymore because he will go to Armani," Sfairopoulos told Sport Klub on Wednesday.

Napier was a marquee addition to Crvena Zvezda this past summer, making a big splash after moving from Milan to Belgrade. 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.

Napier had made a strong impact on Olimpia Milano's 2022-23 season, joining the Italian team on January 28, 2023, and propelling them back into contention for the 2023 EuroLeague Playoffs. 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.

On Tuesday, Napier did not appear in the EuroLeague Round 15 home game against Real Madrid and was involved in another argument, this time with coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

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