With no definitive statement, the presumption is OKC Thunder General Manager guaranteed guard-forward Abdel Nader for the coming season.
Something the writing team adjusts to quickly when covering the OKC Thunder is unlike other teams General Manager Sam Presti keeps a tight leash on news leaks. Such is the case for almost every tidbit of news. For example, virtually every other squad in the Association is open about draft prospect workouts. Whereas typically the only way fans and writers learn who Sam Presti brought in is if an agent notifies the press.
Likewise, while the majority of teams disclose free agent signings including terms and salary the Thunder for some reason seem to hold this information back.
Thus was the case with guard Abdel Nader who arrived at a deadline on July 15th with the OKC Thunder needing to guarantee his contract or waive him. Unlike many contracts on the books, Nader’s contract was for only $1.6 million for 2019-20.
With today the deadline, all signs point to the Thunder guaranteeing Abdel Nader’s contract for next season. Nader appeared in 61 games for OKC last season.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) July 15, 2019
The reason there was uncertainty over what Presti would do was the objective for the team to get under the salary cap line. Granted, Presti has until the final game of the season to get there.
Since there hasn’t been any confirmation in the news the best we can offer was no news came out the Thunder had waived Nader so the presumption is OKC did guarantee Nader.
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As per above ESPN’s Royce Young who has direct access to the Thunder tweeted it seemed likely the club would retain Abdel Nader.
Nader still needs to carve out what his role will be with the club this season. One thing we know for certain is the guard’s role will definitely be as a reserve.
Last season Nader appeared in 61 games for the OKC Thunder posting per game averages of 4.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. While those stats won’t knock anyone over there was a 19 game period between December 28th and February 2nd when the guard-forward delivered increased production. That included 6.4 points and an efficient 42.1 percent from the perimeter.
Unfortunately, his last 27 games resulted in another regression where his production reversed to 3.8 points and 28.1 percent from the perimeter.
Moving forward, if Nader hopes to stick in OKC he’ll need to deliver consistently. This season he’ll get that opportunity, as will others, so the ball is in his court to claim and define his role.