OKC Thunder gambled on Abdel Nader and its paying huge dividends
From waivers to rotation player, OKC Thunder gave Abdel Nader a shot and he’s taking it with two hands.
Originally waived by the Boston Celtics, the OKC Thunder offered Abdel Nader a lifeline by trading Rodney Purvis‘ non-guaranteed to acquire him. Given the Thunder’s salary cap issues, Nader’s $1.4-million-dollar guaranteed deal was a curious move by Sam Presti who clearly saw some potential in the Egyptian wing.
And what a revelation he has been.
After averaging 3.5 minutes per game through the first 33 games of the season, Nader is averaging 15.5 minutes in his last 10 games. During this span, the 25-year-old is averaging 7.4 points and 2.1 rebounds on 54.5 percent shooting and 50 percent from deep.
Nader’s coming out party came against the Phoenix Suns where he posted a career-high 18 points (7-13 from the field, 2-4 from three and 2-2 from the line) and five rebounds in 33 minutes.
The biggest question following this performance was this just a flash in the pan?
Proving his worth as a scorer
Since then, Nader has scored in double digits three times in his last eight games and enters tomorrow’s match-up with the Atlanta Hawks riding a perfect stat line. The Egyptian has made 10 straight shots going 8-8 from the field, 2-2 from three and 2-2 from the line in his last two contests.
The most impressive aspect of Nader’s game is his ability to put the ball on the floor and not stand on the perimeter waiting for shots. In his last outing against the San Antonio Spurs, the 25-year-old drove the ball hard to the cup making a lay-ups, tough runners and bank shots off the glass. He posted 15 points on 6-6 shooting, 1-1 from three and 2-2 from the line.
Can he keep this going?
More from Thunder News
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
While this is a tremendous surprise, one wonders if Nader can keep this going. He has been a tremendous find for the Thunder bench and has shown confidence in his ability to score the rock in a multitude of ways.
Even though his season averages of 3.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game are hardly earth-shattering, his efficiency from the field is something to keep an eye on. The Egyptian is the most efficient players on the Thunder roster, averaging 54.4 percent from the field, 43.5 percent from deep and 100 percent from the line.
Next. OKC Thunder: TI editor power rankings week 12, the big shift. dark
Nader is recognized as one of the Thunder’s best shooters and while his efficiency overall may regress, I suspect his 3-point percentage will be one of the best come seasons end.