OKC Thunder player review: Abdel Nader – the untapped in house talent

Areas of weakness:

Scan Nader’s individual stats per game and the flashing neon light of assists jump off the page, or rather lack of assists. In fact, his total assists for the season was 20!

Of that cumulative total, he dished two assists on three occasions and three on one occasion. Diving deeper, this equates to a single assist in 11 games out of his 61 appearances. Therefore, in 47 games Nader did not create an assist. For someone with his skill set and ability, this is simply unacceptable.

Still, the true value of Nader was never fully recognized. The Egyptian is one of the few players on the OKC Thunder with the capacity to create his own shot and for others. As the reserve unit frequently struggled this was an area while perhaps not fully recognized this season bodes well moving forward.

Clearly, the goal will be for Nader to improve and build upon his game this offseason. In his exit interview, Nader spoke to bringing his practice court effectiveness to game situations. The reporter noted how he’s watched Nader shoot on the practice court with every shot falling. Nader said it’s a matter of developing and transferring rhythm to the hardwood to produce in game time situations.

Not to be a brat, but Nader’s comments “transferring rhythm” to game situations falls back on Donovan. When a player knows they’ll be getting consistent minutes it’s far easier for them to prepare. So, while Nader needs to address his effectiveness the coach also needs to put him in a situation to succeed.