Abdel Nader Named Rookie of the Year
April 14, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, Maine - April 14, 2017 - The NBA Development League announced today that Maine Red Claws forward Abdel Nader has been named NBA D-League Rookie of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
The award is voted on by the league's 22 head coaches. Nader becomes the third Red Claws player to receive Rookie of the Year honors (Tim Frazier, 2014-15; DeShawn Sims, 2010-11).
A second round selection by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft (58th Overall), Nader joined the Red Claws for this season, playing 40 games and averaging 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Nader was named an NBA D-League All-Star this season,
A native of Alexandria, Egypt, Nader played collegiately for Iowa State last season. He becomes the first internationally-born player to win D-League Rookie of the Year.
Nader and the Red Claws face Raptors 905 in the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA D-League Playoffs, with Game 1 set for this Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Portland Expo. Tickets are on sale now by calling 207-210-6655 or visiting MaineRedClaws.com.
About the Maine Red Claws 2016-17 marks the eighth season for the Maine Red Claws. The Red Claws have been the minor league affiliate of the Boston Celtics since their inaugural season of 2009-10, and 2016-17 marks the fifth season of a"hybrid" affiliation between the two teams. Under the hybrid model, the Boston Celtics have contracted to run the basketball operations for the Maine Red Claws, including the hiring and training of the coaching and training staff as well as the all player transactions and will act as the Red Claws' sole NBA partner. The Red Claws play their home games at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the retired chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr. who serves as the team's chairman.
About the NBA Development League The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league's research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 39 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.
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NBA G League Stories from April 14, 2017
- Abdel Nader Named Rookie of the Year - Maine Celtics
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