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

Next step for Abdel Nader:

Although Nader didn’t address specifics other than hitting the weight room to add strength he noted this summer will be dedicated to improvement and growth.  He also discussed the best way to improve defensively is best achieved via playing against vets and his peers.

In that regard, although it applies to anyone Sam Presti is going to be keen to bring back from the young group they need to get reps together.  Keying in on the young teams who recognized success like the Kings and Nets this season or the Raptors bench of two seasons ago all followed a similar game plan.

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Simply – they committed to spending the summer together working out and playing as a unit. Given the OKC Thunder reserve unit ranked 29th in scoring this past campaign and coupling that with the constraints of the Thunder salary situation this would seem like one of the best ways the OKC Thunder could recognize immediate returns.

If the five young guys, Terrance Ferguson and Nerlens Noel (if he decides to return or Presti creates the room to sign him) spent time together this offseason it could pay immediate dividends. I’d also have Andre Roberson work with this group to help with his conditioning and to develop chemistry. Plus ARob would be a great mentor for the youngsters to expand their defensive talent.

As I cited above the Raptors bench mob of two seasons ago, the Kings and Nets of this year all reaped dividends via this practice. If each of these young guys is committed to the organization it would be a great way to develop them simultaneously and build rapport as a unit.

Ultimately, Sam Presti enters this offseason with one hand tied behind his back. One way around his issues is developing the assets the Thunder has — but the crux of this strategy is then giving their assets consistent time on the court.

Abdel Nader may be the most logical of all the youngsters in house prepared to take a step forward. To that end, Nader can’t focus on what Donovan will do,  but if he commits to putting in the work this summer and returns showing palpable growth Donovan won’t have a choice but to play him.