Roster decision on Abdel Nader due by August 1st


The Celtics's 2018-19 roster is nearly complete, and there are several decisions that Danny Ainge needs to make this summer. Boston currently has 14 players signed to contracts for the upcoming season, and Abdel Nader is one of the 14.

He signed a four-year contract roughly one year ago, and he is scheduled to earn 1.4 million this season. But only $450,000 of that figure is guaranteed. The contract is fully-guaranteed if Nader is not waived prior to August 1, 2018, about two weeks hence.

Abdel played for the Celtics G-League affiliate, Maine Red Claws, during the 2016-17 season after being drafted in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft. He also played for the Boston Summer League squad in 2017, producing well enough for Danny Ainge to sign him to the 4-year deal.

Unfortunately, Nader's talent did not translate well to the NBA Celtics team, and the team needs to determine if he should be retained. If Marcus Smart finally reaches an agreement with the Celtics, he may fill that open 15th slot. Both he and Jabari Bird are restricted free agents and are awaiting offers from other teams. Bird may also be a candidate to fill the final spot.


Danny Ainge should have an idea at this point as to Nader's suitability as a solid NBA role player for Boston. And if he feels Abdel is not an NBA-level talent, it may the best course, on a moral basis, to waive him ASAP, giving him a better chance to land with another NBA team or to travel overseas. That would also allow Boston to start working to fill his roster slot.

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