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In an expected move, the Celtics waived reserve wing Abdel Nader according to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports.
The Boston Celtics have waived swingman Abdel Nader, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2018
Nader was the 58th pick in 2016 and had just completed his first year in the NBA. In 2016, Nader averaged 21.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, and 3.7 apg and became the first Egyptian player to win the G-league Rookie of the Year award.
Nader’s contract was set to become fully guaranteed on August 1st, and with the move Boston has now brought it’s roster down to 14 players. The move also brings the Celtics down to $2,927,880 over the luxury tax. Here’s the latest depth chart:
Ball Handlers: Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, Brad Wanamaker
Wings: Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye
Bigs: Al Horford, Aron Baynes, Daniel Theis, Guerschon Yabusele, Robert Williams
Some have speculated that the last spot may go to restricted free agent Jabari Bird. The Celtics extended a qualifying offer to Bird earlier this summer and if he doesn’t get a better deal, he’ll again return as a two-way player. Boston may choose to either sign a more veteran player or hold the open roster spot to be active in the buyout market.