PHOENIX SUNS

Report: Suns wing Abdel Nader cleared from knee rehab

Jun 25, 2021, 2:11 PM | Updated: 6:49 pm

Phoenix Suns forward Abdel Nader (11) battles Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo for the ba...

Phoenix Suns forward Abdel Nader (11) battles Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns wing Abdel Nader is cleared and is expected to be available Saturday in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, reports The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Nader underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in late April and was ruled out indefinitely.

He has not played since March 21, and considering that and his role prior to his injury, it’s unlikely he sees significant — or any — playing time in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Nader missed 20 games due to right knee soreness prior to the team announcing he planned to undergo surgery on April 26.

The 27-year-old ended up appearing in 24 games this season, averaging 6.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.

Where Nader could find playing time now remains to be seen considering he is not in game shape.

Nader had developed into a utility rotation piece early on in the season, providing length and athleticism from the wing. He also shot 42% from three-point range and brought a slashing ability that none of the other Suns could.

He was the fourth wing behind Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson, but the Suns also acquired a bigger wing in Torrey Craig from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for cash on March 18.

Nader was part of the Suns’ trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder that included point guard Chris Paul.

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