Abdel Nader is optimistic entering his second season in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder forward was hampered by a wrist injury last summer, and knee soreness lead to him seeing minimal playing time until December 2018.
Nader came on during the second half of the season, showing that he has the ability to be a key role player off the bench. Offensively, he has the skill set to be an effective slasher, cutter and spot up shooter. On the defensive end, his 6-foot-6 frame provides versatility, allowing him to guard both shooting guards and small forwards.
Though he was not part of the Thunder’s Summer League team, Nader still spent time in Las Vegas working with Oklahoma City’s coaches to improve his game.
Thunder broadcast reporter and digital editor, Nick Gallo, did a deep dive with Nader about how he’s preparing for the upcoming season.
Physically, it was just getting myself in shape and continue doing the work on the court. Mentally, just not getting deterred and allowing yourself to stay in it mentally and keep doing the work that you know you need to do.
In 2018-19, Nader averaged 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game, appearing in 61 contests with one start. He shot 42.3 percent and 32.0 percent from three overall. He believes those numbers can rise with increased reps, and more importantly, increased confidence.
If you’re only getting two or three shots a game, sometimes you’re going to make them all. Sometimes you’re going to make one. Sometimes you’re going to miss them all. You can’t really get too deterred about that, and just stick with it. If it drops in practice, it will drop in the game sooner or later.
Training camp for the 2019-20 season begins at the end of September.
