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Boston Celtics player report card 2016-17: Abdel Nader

By Talar Kahwajian

Mar 5, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Abdel Nader (2) dribbles the ball around Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Abdel Nader (2) dribbles the ball around Kansas Jayhawks forward Perry Ellis (34) in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Abdel Nader had a fantastic year for the Boston Celtics D-League affiliate, and could crack into the roster next season.

Abdel Nader was drafted No. 58 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.  He wasn’t able to make this past season’s Boston Celtics roster, but he had an outstanding year for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League.

He averaged 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 33.5 minutes per game this season. Nader played his college ball at Iowa State and immediately impressed in Summer League.

Looking deeper at Nader’s Season

Nader is an athletic forward who can handle the ball, finish at the rim and hit three’s.  The more I watch him, the more I see him fitting into Steven’s system.  In the Salt Lake City Summer League, Abdel Nader had a total of 16 points, 25 percent shooting from three and 50 percent from the floor.

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The Las Vegas Summer League was really where Nader started to shine.  He had a total of 64 points while shooting 47 percent from three and 48 percent from the floor.  He started looking more comfortable the more he played.  Nader is aggressive and can turn into a Draymond Green type of player.

With two forwards coming over from Europe, it could be tough for Nader to break into the roster.  However, I don’t see how the Celtics couldn’t use a guy like him.  He’s versatile, blocks shots and spins in the lane to finish with a dunk.  Who doesn’t love a guy like that?  We’ll know more about his progression when Summer League starts back up in a few weeks, but he was unafraid during his first year in the D-League.

Final Grade

I’ll give Abdel Nader an A for his performance this season.

Related Story: The Boston Celtics Have An Abdel Nader Problem

He went into the D-League and accepted the challenge.  He became a D-League All-Star and Rookie of the Year.  Nader helped lead the Red Claws to the Eastern Conference finals, the furthest the franchise has ever gotten.

Next: Boston Celtics 2016-17 Report Cards: Amir Johnson

I’d like to see him on the Celtics roster next season, he could grow with Jaylen Brown and (possibly) Markelle Fultz, to form a great tandem.  Some actual NBA minutes could go a long way with his development.

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