He struggled to see consistent minutes during his first three Summer League games, but thanks to an extended schedule for the Boston Celtics, Abdel Nader has gotten his chance.
By scoring 13 points during the Celtics 87-74 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Nader has combined for 25 points over the past two games played.
Abdel Nader in Double Digits for Celtics again
Nader added six rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while not giving up a turnover.
“I think he’s been a huge surprise. He plays hard. He’s aggressive,” Celtics assistant Jamie Young told Celtics.com. “Both days [in Las Vegas], he has brought it.”
It’s also no small feat that after getting the least amount of minutes in both of his first two summer league games, Nader played 21 on Sunday, more than one of the starters and more than any bench players.
Abdel Nader’s Summer League Performances
Game 1: Played the least amount of minutes, had three points.
Game 2: Played least amount of minutes again, scores six points and five rebounds.
Game 3: Gets 12 minutes, shoots perfect from the field for seven points.
Game 4: Gets 16 minutes, scores 12 in front of former College Coach
Game 5: Gets 21 minutes, continues tear and scores 13 points.
Nader’s Iowa State teammate in Jameel McKay did not play in the New Orleans Pelicans Summer League game on Sunday; the reason is unknown.
Nader and the Celtics return for their last regular season Summer League game, when they take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at 5:00pm CT.
LWOS’ Connor Ferguson will have complete coverage on former Iowa State Cyclones in the NBA Summer League over the next week. That includes Abdel Nader of the Boston Celtics and Jameel McKay of the New Orleans Pelicans. Fans can follow him on twitter at @cfchangs9.
All games can be seen on NBATV or WatchESPN.
Main Photo Credit: Getty Images, David Purdy
