Ahmad Naadir Nivins (born February 10, 1987) is an American professional basketball coach and former player.[1] He played college basketball for Saint Joseph's.
Early life
Nivins attended County Prep High School in New Jersey, where he began as a baseball player before switching to basketball in his freshman year. In his junior year he transferred to St. Anthony's High school, which is also in New Jersey. As a senior, he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks and helped the team to a 30–0 record and the school's ninth Tournament of Champions title in 2003–04.[2]
College career
Nivins attended Saint Joseph's University. He is the school's leader in career field goal percentage (63.4%) and also one of 26 Hawks to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in his career. Nivins is fifth on the team's all-time list with 110 blocks.
As a senior, he averaged a double-double (19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds) and nationally, he ranked fourth in rebounds per game behind John Bryant, Blake Griffin and Kenneth Faried.[3]
On January 4, 2011, he signed with Belgian team Dexia Mons-Hainaut.[6] On December 10, his draft rights were traded to the New York Knicks, along with the draft rights to Giorgos Printezis and Tyson Chandler in a three-way trade. The Mavericks received Andy Rautins from the Knicks and a second round pick from the Washington Wizards. The Wizards received Ronny Turiaf from the Knicks in addition to a Dallas 2012 second round pick, and 2013 Knicks second round pick, and cash considerations.[7]
On August 20, 2012, Nivins moved to the French league, signing with Poitiers Basket 86 after averaging 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 2011–12 in Belgium.[8]
On June 21, 2013, Nivins signed with Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez after averaging 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with Poitiers.[9]
On June 3, 2014, Nivins signed with ASVEL Basket after averaging 15.5 points and 6.3 rebounds with Pau-Orthez.[10]
On November 11, 2017, Nivins signed with the Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv for the 2017–18 season.[13] However, on November 17, 2017, Nivins was released by Hapoel before appearing in a game for them.[14]