Ray Donoghue-Edelman – SLAM

Abdel Nader on G League ROY, Summer League, and Signing With Celtics

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 16:29:21 +0000

Following a strong 2017 Summer League campaign, Abdel Nader signed a multiyear deal with the Boston Celtics. While playing last season with the Maine Red Claws (Boston’s G League affiliate), Nader averaged 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists en route to winning the 2016-17 G League Rookie of the Year award. He shot 44.6 percent from the floor and drained a team-high 99 threes.

Abdel’s journey to the NBA included many stops along the way. He was born in Egypt, and moved to the United States as a young kid. After two seasons at Northern Illinois, he transferred to Iowa State, where he helped the Cyclones secure a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament his senior season. Still, Nader was not on the radar of most NBA scouts. Boston chose him with the 58th overall pick in 2016, and he hasn’t looked back since.

We caught up with Nader to talk about his journey to securing a deal with the Celtics and being the second Egyptian-born player in the NBA.

SLAM: How great did it feel to sign your first NBA contract?

Abdel Nader: It’s am amazing feeling. When you work for something your whole entire life and you’re able to achieve that goal, it’s really satisfying, and I was really excited to get that done. But now, there’s more doors I have to open and goals I have to achieve.

SLAM: Have you had a chance to get in the gym with any of your new teammates this summer?

AN: Yeah, I’ve been in the gym with a couple of the rookies, just getting some early training in. And some of the older guys have trickled in here and there. We played some open gyms. I’m getting used to it.

SLAM: What was your experience like last season playing with the Maine Red Claws?

AN: It was great. I took it as a challenge going in to be like, you’re in the G League and hopefully going to sign with the Celtics the following year, which ended up happening. I just took it as a challenge, put my heart in it, and was willing to learn and get better. And I think I did a great job of that, just getting better overall. The mental aspect, the physical things, the skill set…I sharpened up a lot of things. I had to.

SLAM: A lot of people didn’t expect someone picked 58th overall to make such a big impact. Did you think you were going to win Rookie of the Year?

AN: To be honest, I wanted to be the MVP. You can ask my agent, I went into the G League season telling him, I’m winning this MVP. I think I was the runner-up, so I’m still kind of disappointed about that.

SLAM: How do you imagine your game translating to the NBA level?

AN: I’m versatile. I can play on the ball or off. I can play the four. I can do a lot of things. On the other end, I can guard one through four. I’ve made some strides, and I’m going to keep making them.

SLAM: What position do you expect to get the most time at?

AN: Probably one of the wings. That’s naturally what I am. But I have had a lot of reps, especially in Maine, playing the 1. I played the 1 down there almost the whole season, so hopefully I’ll get some opportunity to be on the ball too.

SLAM: Who’s your NBA player comparison?

AN: That’s tough. I haven’t thought about it much. Some of the guys I like watching the past couple years have been LeBron James, Klay Thompson, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant. Bigger wing players especially.

SLAM: You and Jayson Tatum were getting buckets together in the Summer League. What do you think about his skillset and potential?

AN: Jayson is an amazing talent overall. Very versatile, like a lot of the guys we have, can play multiple positions, can shoot it, can put it on the floor, he’s really good at getting to the rim. I think he’s going to be a special guy in the NBA.

SLAM: Who was the hardest player you had to defend in the Summer League?

AN: Probably Dante Exum. He’s very good at coming off ball screens downhill, always knowing what shots are available and making the right read. He’s really good at doing all that.

SLAM: Isaiah Thomas was picked at the end of the second round like you. Isaiah loves to remind people about that. He uses it as motivation and a chip on his shoulder. Do you look at it like that as well, or is being the 58^th pick way behind you?

AN: Absolutely. I wasn’t a highly talked about kid coming out of college either. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for getting drafted by the Boston Celtics. They gave me one of the best opportunities of my life. At the same time, a lot of guys think because they got drafted above you or they were a lottery pick, they’re better than you automatically, which is not the case. At the end of the day we all play in the same league, so that’s how I look at it.

SLAM: You’re the second Egyptian-born player to ever play in the NBA. What does that mean to you?

AN: To be honest, I never knew that until a couple weeks ago someone told me. I represent Egypt, and I want to represent Egypt in a positive way to benefit people as much as possible. But I’m a basketball player. I don’t like to put a label on myself and say I’m the second Egyptian player ever in the League. I’m just a basketball player.

Photos via Getty Images

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Nike Flight Bonafide ‘Taupe Grey/Summit White’

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:58:01 +0000

In May, Nike released the Flight Bonafides in all-new black, grey, and multicolor palettes. Now, the Flight Bonafide is back in a clean purple, grey, and white color scheme.

Nike has scratched the traditional carbon fiber and mesh first seen on the Bonafides in ’95, and replaced it with a laceless Flyknit upper and zipper closures on the heels. Swipe through the gallery above for a closer look.

The “Taupe Grey/Summit White” Flight Bonafides release Friday, August 18 for $135.

Photos courtesy of Nike

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Air Jordan XXXI Low ‘River Rock/Dark Stucco’

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:55:28 +0000

The Air Jordan XXXI Low is back in an all-new “River Rock and Dark Stucco” colorway. There’s a gum sole and earthy green and grey tones cover the outsoles, and a subtle reflective camouflage pattern on the heel. These XXXI Lows also feature Flightspeed technology, Zoom Air cushioning, and a Flyweave upper for comfort and support.

They release Friday, August 18 for $180.

h/t Nike

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Utah Jazz Unveil New Nike Association and Icon Jerseys

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:39:34 +0000

The Utah Jazz have unveiled their Nike Association and Icon uniforms for the 2017-18 NBA season. Swipe through the images above for a detailed look and check out the video below.

The Note x The Swoosh

It’s in the details: https://t.co/N7gYFsC0Mj pic.twitter.com/yCqkkGrgwr

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 9, 2017

Utah’s jersey sponsor Qualtrics opted to promote 5 For The Fight instead of itself on the Jazz jerseys. 5 For The Fight is a charitable organization trying to raise money for cancer research through $5 donations, with the goal of raising $50 million. Learn more at 5forthefight.org.

h/t Utah Jazz Twitter

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Denver Nuggets Unveil New Nike Uniforms

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:31:34 +0000

The Denver Nuggets have revealed their updated uniforms for the 2017-18 NBA season. These blue and white jerseys include the Nike Swoosh and are sponsored by Western Union. Swipe through the images above for a closer look at Gary Harris rocking the new threads.

The Nuggets changed their look significantly by moving away from the sky-blue color they have used for the past 14 years. The Icon jerseys are navy blue and the Association jerseys are white. Both will be used interchangeably for home and away games.

h/t Denver Nuggets

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Nike React Hyperdunk 2017 Low ‘New York Vs. New York’

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:02:06 +0000

After previously releasing Chicago and Los Angeles models, Nike’s newest iteration of the React Hyperdunk 2017 Low is inspired by New York City hoops.

The colorway features vibrant sky-blue tones, a gum sole and graphic detailing along the entire sneaker. Hooping in the “New York Vs. New York” at night? A bright light will illuminate the blueprint pattern covering the entire shoe, reminiscent of a street grid. Check out the gallery above for a closer look and grab your pair tomorrow, when they drop for $130 on Nike.com.

Photos courtesy of Nike

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JellyDay Had New York City’s Dyckman Park Going Crazy

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 21:27:35 +0000

Isaiah Washington’s New York City homecoming was a sight to see. Although the future University of Minnesota point guard didn’t participate in JellyDay at the famed Dyckman Park, Jahvon Quinerly, Jordan Walker, Leondre Washington, and others entertained a massive crowd on “JellyDay.” Fans literally climbed fences and looked on from nearby rooftops.

Washington was among the founding members of the JellyFam movement a few years ago. Because he and his friends couldn’t dunk with ease, they wanted to come up with their own signature moves. They gravitated to the finger roll but gave it a modern update, instead calling it the “Jelly.”

Their movement gained hundreds of thousands of followers on social media and the Fam began to grow, with Quinerly and Leondre Washington coming on board.

To be part of JellyFam, you have to Jelly three times in one game, in front of a current member of the Fam.

Watch the video above to see all of Dyckman lose their collective minds after Jordan Walker’s back-to-back scoop shots. Kevin Durant didn’t have Dyckman this lit.

https://youtu.be/J8F7xPV5jd8

h/t NJ Hoop Recruit

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Steph Curry Teams Up With JellyFam At SC30 Select Camp

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 17:27:47 +0000

Stephen Curry decided to suit up (and debut a new Curry 4 colorway) with prospects at his SC30 Select Camp yesterday in California for some 5-on-5 scrimmages. The games were full of elite high school talent, including well-known hoopers Scottie Lewis, Devon Dotson, Silvio De Sousa, Anfernee Simons, Jordan McCabe, Cassius Stanley and more. Even Seth Curry hopped on the court. Peep the highlight tape above from Ballislife.

Today at 6pm PST, the last day of the SC30 Camp, Under Armour will host the first ever Select HS Showcase at the Kezar Pavillion in San Francisco. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPNU. It’s open to the public and admission is free.

Put in work. #DubNation come @StephenCurry30 and the 's top HS players at the #SC30Select Showcase Game Tues, Aug. 8 at Kezar Pavillion. pic.twitter.com/9aCPJTCiWJ

— Under Armour Basketball (@UAbasketball) August 8, 2017

h/t Ballislife

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NYC Rapper Marlon Craft Name Drops Every NBA Team In One Verse

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 18:08:08 +0000

“I worked hard at this shit, I wasn’t chosen/Now I’m about to go on rap tours, word to DeMar DeRozan.”

Up and coming NYC rapper Marlon Craft has bars for days. The Hell’s Kitchen native, who has been featured in Mass Appeal and just freestyled on Shade 45, is turning heads with his flow and endless references. Watch him flex his rap skills and hoops knowledge while name-dropping all 30 NBA teams in one verse over The LOX’s classic “Money, Power, Respect.”

Craft’s new project The Tunnel’s End drops August 2nd, and an NYC release show is set for Friday, August 11th. Cop tickets here, and add Marlon on IG: @marloncraft, Twitter: @marloncraftny, or Facebook: @mcraftmusic.

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Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Eggplant’

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 20:40:16 +0000

In honor of its 20th birthday, Nike is re-releasing the Air Foamposite One’s legendary ‘Eggplant’ color way. The Eggplant Foams, which first dropped in 2009 but haven’t been released since 2010, instantly became a wildly popular look, on and off the court. Highlighted by the shimmering eggplant-purple shade, these Foams feature a translucent outer sole and the original 1Cent Penny Hardaway branding.

The Air Foamposite One Eggplant is available Saturday, July 29th.

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Air Jordan XXXI ‘Black/Metallic Gold’

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 19:06:55 +0000

The latest Air Jordan XXXI Low is dropping this Friday, July 28th in a black and metallic gold color scheme. These low tops, inspired by the original Air Jordan 1’s, feature Flight Speed technology, Zoom Air cushioning, leather heels and Flywire cables on the lacing.

The XXXI’s are a staple in the League, but they definitely maintain the street appeal that casual Jordan fans love.

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Andre Drummond Drops 40 points at the Drew League

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 18:46:09 +0000

Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons is the latest NBA pro to showcase his talents at the Drew League this summer. Playing for BB4L and head coach Baron Davis, Drummond went head-to-head with elite D1 ballers Isaac Hamilton and Prince Ali of UCLA, as well as UConn alumni Daniel Hamilton and Marcus Williams.

Drummond dominated both ends of the floor en route to a two-point win for BB4L. Check out some of his best blocks, dunks, and even jump shots (!) in the game recap above via Ballislife.

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Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Paul George and More React to Their NBA 2K18 Ratings

Ray Donoghue-Edelman — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 17:33:49 +0000

The NBA 2K18 player ratings are out.

Some were cool with their scores. Others, like Joel Embiid, were not. Check out the clip above to see All-Stars Kyrie Irving, Demar DeRozan, Isaiah Thomas, Paul George and more react to their overalls.

Embiid took to Twitter after finding out his rating and said that he’s going to work on getting his rating up this season:

My Durability rating must've not allowed my 2k rating to be at least 95!!!! Gotta work on that #TheProcess

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 18, 2017

NBA 2K18 is set to be released September 19th on PS4 and Xbox One.

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