On December 13, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 Final Four NCAA was sent to the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA Development League.  Seventeen days later, he returns for his second stint.  

If the first appearance is any indication, the second time will be something to behold.  In that one game against the Iowa Energy, Napier produced 22 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal in a 124-105 victory.  Enjoy the proceedings above.

The difference this time is that Napier will not be joined by Hassan Whiteside as part of a package deal.  It’s worth noting the rise in fortunes for the 7-footer from Marshall by taking  advantage of playing time due to others going down with injury.  Whiteside has played in 5 of the 8 games for the Heat since the recall including an efficient 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, an assist and a steal in 18 minutes on December 29 (Monday) against Orlando.

By contrast, Napier’s playing time has greatly diminished since his recall.  The guard out of Connecticut has only played in two games scoring 11 points in one while going 0-4 from the floor and 0-2 from the line in the other.  That’s a far cry from scoring double figures in 6 straight games during the month of November.  The last rookie to do that for the Heat was Michael Beasley in 2009.

Napier has appeared in 25 games with the Heat this season averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 21.0 minutes while shooting 42.5 percent from the field.

The Skyforce will face the Grand Rapids Drive on Thursday and Saturday, January 1 and 3 before returning home to play the Drive again on Sunday, January 4.

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