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With Seth Curry, how much will the Trail Blazers miss Shabazz Napier?

Doug Patrick|
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball against Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 4, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Shabazz Napier #6 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball against Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 4, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 29: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 29: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Moving on from Napier

To truly make Napier into a simple one-season fling, Curry needs to get back to his Mavericks-self while logging fewer minutes.

If he also improves on the defensive end, he could make Napier into a distant memory.

While Portland may be destined for stagnation and regression this upcoming season, Curry could be a major X-factor in flipping this narrative. He is a talented enough offensive player with a versatile game that could fit nicely alongside Rip City’s stars.

By playing his cards right, the Blazers may return to the playoffs with a high seed. And if this were the case, Curry could be squarely in the mix for Sixth Man of the Year—a race that Napier may never enter.