Nadir Hifi has drawn high praise from his former coaches, Tuomas Iisalo and Tiago Splitter, who say his scoring and playmaking skills could translate to the NBA if he can handle the defensive challenges.
After TJ Shorts left Paris Basketball, Nadir Hifi has stepped up as the team's go-to player in the EuroLeague.
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This season, Hifi is averaging 19.0 points per game (third in the league), along with 2.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 17.1 PIR over 32 games (19 starts).
His dominance on the court has some wondering if his EuroLeague jersey has become too small and whether it might be time for him to prepare for the NBA.
Those who know him well think he has what it takes.
"I mean, Nadir is a very unique player," Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo said of his former player, via Eliott Caillot of BeBasket. "I think he's still leading the EuroLeague in points per minute. He's instant offense, and that skill set translates to any competition in the world.
"His biggest challenge when it comes to the NBA is that the league is growing – you have more and more wings. So the guards who are smaller need to be very good at not only creating shots for themselves but also for the team, and be offensive engines," Iisalo added.
"And Nadir has proven that he can be this in Europe, but that's obviously a big step to take to the NBA. But with his work ethic, I think anything's possible there."
"I'd say, why not? I mean, he's really, really like one of the best shot creators I've ever seen," Portland Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said. "There's the size in the NBA; they're gonna target him on defense.
"If he's able to guard people in the NBA, of course, he can make it, because on offense, there's no problem for him. He can score against anybody."
Credit Christina Pahnke/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
Iisalo coached Hifi during the 2023-24 season when Paris won the EuroCup, while Splitter worked with the 23-year-old French star last season when Paris reached the EuroLeague playoffs.
Hifi is currently under contract with Paris through 2028. According to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews, his deal includes an NBA exit clause but not an option to move to another EuroLeague team – meaning any transfer to another European club would require Paris' approval.
EuroLeague clubs can still inquire about a buyout, but Paris would control the process.
Undrafted in 2023, Hifi is motivated to explore NBA opportunities this offseason, sources tell BasketNews.
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