Former Boston celtics and Phoenix Suns player abdel nader has confirmed his participation with Egypt in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Abdel Nader was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th overall pick in the 2016 nba draft, becoming the second-ever Egyptian to play in the NBA after Alaa Abdelnaby.
He was then named NBA D-League Rookie of the Year with Maine Celtics, before representing the Celtics during the 2017–2018 season; however, Nader was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder just a year later.
In November 2020, the Thunder traded Nader and Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns, where the Egyptian played until being waived in February 2022, amassing over 220 NBA appearances across five seasons.
The 29-year-old has never represented Egypt in any official games, but has confirmed his participation with the Pharaohs in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“I will 100% participate with Egypt in the World Cup next August,” Abdel Nader told Sada El-Balad.
“There is communication between me and the egyptian fa.
“I believe that Egypt's qualification for the World Cup means the development and prosperity of basketball there.
“I tried to participate with Egypt several times during the previous period, but it clashed with my participation in the NBA, and in addition, I suffered a knee problem last February.
“I was struggling last period because of the injury, and I am doing my best to return again, and it is expected that I will return soon.
“I am currently focusing on returning to the court, and my first appearance will be with the Egyptian national team, and after that, I will consider my future on joining which club,” he added.
Egypt sealed their place in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup after beating Tunisia to mark their seventh appearance in the competition.
The Pharaohs' last participation in the World Cup came in 2014 when they lost all five games to finish in the last place.
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, from 25 August to 10 September 2023.
