Let's talk Nami.

So recently, a lot of people have brought up winrates and pickrates of all roles in the past few patches and Nami has been consistently on top in the support role with a decent playrate. So let's have a nice discussion of what might be an issue, if there is one, with Nami and the support role in general.

First, I'd like to go over Nami's kit.

Passive: a nice flat movement speed increase when one of her abilities is used on an ally. I think this is a very nice passive, nothing too oppressive and lasts only a short while. Beneficial to any champion instead only a specific group of champions (i.e. Janna's shield only providing AD and not adaptive stats). Maybe a small CD before she can reapply it to the same champion with some utility shifts (stronger ms for shorter amount of time or vice versa, etc.).

Q: a slow skillshot that when hit forces the champion in a decently long suppression. I think this ability is rewarded just right, since it is pretty difficult to hit and rather easy to dodge. No issues.

W: Now this is where I think the biggest issue, if any, is. A multi heal/damaging ability that only targets champions and has a pretty large range. In theory I like the sound of this ability, since it makes you choose if you want to use it for more healing or more damage based on the situation, but in reality and especially in lane, it can feel quite uninteractive and a bit obnoxious to play against, since it can't be dodged unless going outside of it's rather large range. A bit of having her cake and getting to eat it too kind of thing going on.

E: pretty simple ability, makes the next 3 autos do extra magic damage and briefly slow the enemy. Can be beneficial to all champions and doubles up since it also applies her passive. Maybe make her passive only go into effect after the recipient autos, so she can't use it for free use of her passive to get away? If it needs changing, which I personally don't think it does

R: now this is one of the best ultimates in the game. You have initiation, counter-engage, and a ton of benefits. All allies who the wave goes over get double the normal ms of your passive, on top of slowing down and knocking up all enemies hit. I do like how the slow and knockup is stronger based on how far the wave traveled so if she uses it point-blank in your face she gets rewarded less.

Overall I feel Nami is just a result of nerfs to her counterparts (i.e. shield enchanters such as Janna and Lulu) more offensive than Soraka while still providing a nice heal and better teamfight ultimate while not being as hindered by executioner and being great in both lane and team fights. Personally I think they should focus in on either being a strong lane support or a strong team fighting support so she has a niche instead of just being the jack of all trades in the support role right now.

But let me know what you think below! If you disagree, if you think the upcoming tank meta will help or hurt her, if you think she is fine and other supports need to be buffed up to her level or any other issues you feel might be the cause of her spike in winrate and playrate.

Keep it respectful and civil!