OKC Thunder Media Day: Abdel Nader ‘Compete, don’t compare’

Abdel Nader is one of the newer faces to join the the OKC Thunder this offseason and told the assembled press at Media Day he enters the season finally healthy.

Abdel Nader was traded to the OKC Thunder earlier this offseason. Nader previously a member of the Boston Celtics, was shipped to Oklahoma for Rodney Purvis in what was viewed around the league as a minor deal

However, if you have been keeping up with the OKC Thunder media day, you would notice a lot of people talking about Nader.

Both Russell Westbrook and head man Billy Donovan brought up Abdel Nader during their talks with the media, leaving one guessing: “Will he have a bigger role?”

Nader has very limited NBA experience with a log jam of talent in Boston.

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Getting into the Basketball questions, the most interesting thing was that Abdel Nader said he is finally healthy. If you are muttering to yourself that you don’t remember him ever being hurt that is because Nader himself did not know.

Nader said he spent this summer having a surgery to fix a Ulna Fracture in his forearm. He mentioned unbeknownst to him, that he has dealt with this fracture since he was 16 year old. He finally got it fixed up and he feels “Better than ever.”

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Abdel Nader has an interesting story. He was born in Egypt but moved to Chicago when he turned 8 years old. He did not begin playing basketball until age 13, and quickly earned the right to play at Iowa State University after high school.

Abdel was asked “Tell everyone at home what they can expect from you.” He was not shy with his response. Nader told the viewers at home that he can guard everyone on the floor–outside of the center. He can run the pick and roll, knock down threes, and space the floor. All of which the Thunder need.

Abdel Nader was asked about if he feels more comfortable knowing he is not the only new face in that OKC Thunder locker room. He answered with a catch phrase saying “Compete don’t compare.” which might be the quote of Media Day.

Abdel spent time with the Fox Sports Oklahoma crew where he talked about his dog and how much he loves his dog, at one time calling the pup his “Favorite Human.” I think most OKC Thunder fans can relate to that.

Just in the brief exposure Nader got, you can tell if the team keeps putting a mic in his face, he will become a fan favorite. It will be interesting to follow him through out the preseason.