Phoenix Suns: The 3 Most Underrated Players on the Team

Phoenix Suns Underrated Players: Abdel Nader

Laboring through injuries, Abdel Nader never seemed all too attached to Phoenix’s surprise season last year, even though he returned for the postseason. But the Suns still trust the Egyptian-American hooper, shown by their choice to re-sign him this summer rather than letting him walk.

During his limited playing time though, Nader flashed one talent above all else, and it remains the most important one according to basketball modernists: consistent 3-point shooting.

Last season, Nader hit from range at a 41.9 percent rate, averaging 1.8 attempts per game. Off the bench, every great team with already established stars needs knock down shooters to compliment them. Nader is no Kyle Korver, but anytime someone shoots over 40.0 percent from range, it deserves recognition.

Additionally, Nader possesses some sneaky athleticism that often allows him to penetrate with the ball as well. Russell Westbrook even acknowledged Nader’s talent in that regard, doing so after his former teammate put up 18 points with the Oklahoma City Thunder a few years ago.

As an all-time great rim penetrator, you cannot find much higher praise than a compliment from Westbrook. So should the Suns ever need to call upon Nader either as a floor spacer or slasher, they can do so with confidence even though he currently sits at their bench’s back end.