Olimpia Milano: Napier says goodbye, strategy changes

The former NBA player preferred the rich contract of the Belgrade club

Olimpia Milano was confident of seeing him again in the red and white jersey but, in the end, Napier decided to make a change. For the next two seasons, the 31-year-old point guard will play with Red Star, along with former Virtus Bologna man Teodosic.

Olimpia Milano said goodbye to Napier, who was decisive since his arrival this season in winning the 30th Scudetto, with a risque press release: “Olimpia Milano thanks Shabazz Napier for the season spent together and wishes him all the best for his future.” A communiqué that, probably, no one would have wanted to write, since Napier seemed well disposed to stay in Milan. Instead, he will star in Belgrade.

It was a choice that left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Red and White fans who had hoped to have found the right man for the directorship. Instead, now the AX management will have to go looking for a new point guard, a leader to whom they can give the keys to the game of the reigning Italian Champions. Olimpia is still missing several pieces to complete the roster for next season but, at the moment, the priority is to find the right replacement for Napier. This will by no means be easy, considering that so many interesting profiles have already settled elsewhere or renewed with their respective clubs.