Celtics' Abdel Nader Picks D-League Over Big Payday In Europe
BOSTON (CBS) -- Instead of taking a big payday overseas, Abdel Nader is going to chase his NBA dream in the D-League.
Nader, drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th pick out of Iowa State, reportedly turned down a big offer from a European team to sign with the Maine Red Claws.
Sources: After rejecting lucrative offer in Europe, Boston second-rounder Abdel Nader has committed to signing D-League contract with Maine.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2016
There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding the forward following his impressive performance in July's Summer League in Las Vegas. Nader was reportedly reluctant to sign with the Red Claws after averaging 10 points per game on 49 percent shooting in Vegas, and there was the risk the Celtics could lose his rights if he was signed to a training camp tender but the team waived him before the regular season.
Now that he's signed on the dotted line with Maine, Boston will retain his draft rights.
Nader will become the 20th player under contract with the Celtics, after they signed Marcus George-Hunt to a training camp deal over the weekend. The C's will have to trim their roster to 15 players before the start of the regular season.