Team: Le Portel

Birth: 2002

Position: Guard

17.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 3.9/6.8 2FG (58.1 %), 1.8/5.3 3FG (33.3%) 4/4.7 FT (85.3%)

LNB has been one of the most followed leagues in Europe this season, especially for one particular man. However, there are many prospects that are making their names known. One of the breakout performers of the season is Le Portel’s guard Nadir Hifi. The 2002-born player has averaged 17.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals this season in France and looked like one of the best guards in the league already. He got selected to the LNB All Star game and he was the MVP of December 2022. Hifi seems ready to show his game in the European competition level.

STRENGTHS

  • Quick feet and first step, good motor. Turns them into his advantage on both ends.
  • Solid slasher with explosiveness, his power drives to the rim are hard to defend. Disrupts the defense and can find the open man.
  • Skilled ball handler with some consistency issues but has high potential 
  • Runs the floor well, the ideal guard for fast break opportunities and transition plays.
  • Upside is really high as a scorer around the paint, creative with the ability to finish with both hands.
  • Impressive ambition for the game, plays every game as it’s the final.
  • Good on-ball defender with timely reflexes and competitiveness, does everything to bother his matchups. 
  • Can operate Pick and rolls and create opportunities for his teammates.
  • Does not shy away from clutch moments, looks confident.
  • Intriguing shot-contesting instincts from midrange and behind the 3-point line. 
  • Reliable from the free throw line. Shot 85.3% this season in all competitions.

WEAKNESSES

  • Questionable shot selection. Might force things too much or shoot way early in the shot clock.
  • Not a natural playmaker. Court vision is promising but might not be ready to be the primary ball handler at EuroLeague level yet.
  • Inconsistent shooter for now. Better from midrange pull ups and has potential to become a good catch and shoot player. Hits some hard off the dribble shots behind the 3-point line too, shooting is not one of his biggest weaknesses but not reliable yet.
  • Passing touch needs work, can commit easy turnovers.
  • Has trouble defending drives without fouling, especially against players with more size and athleticism. 
  • Not a good help defender, shows upside on off-ball defense with deflections but often loses his matchup or has bad timing on help defense.
  • Has the attitude of someone who is in a rush, needs to find the balance between being aggressive on the floor and controlling the pace of the game at the same time.
  • Decision-making needs progress. 

OUTLOOK

Hifi is having a great season, it is not hard to predict that the top French teams from EuroLeague and EuroCup and bunch of other EuroLeague organizations are probably considering him on their roster for next season and he is ready for that next step. He can also be an intriguing second round draft and stash option for some NBA teams if the fit is right. His size and athleticism will be some of the question marks about a possible chance of him making it to the NBA. I believe in him in terms of his shooting and decision-making as he gains more experience in bigger stages. With his skill-set, explosiveness and the energy that he brings, he belongs in the EuroLeague and there is no reason for that not to happen in the near future.