Summary
Nolan Traore is a 19-year-old French point guard selected 19th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft with the Nets' pick from the Phoenix Suns (via the Kevin Durant Trade Tree). The most explosive athlete in Brooklyn's rookie class, Traore brings electric speed and finishing ability but is the rawest of the five first-rounders. He spent part of his rookie season with the Long Island Nets in the G League, developing his half-court game while adjusting to the NBA.
Key Insights
- Drafted 19th overall via a multi-team pick chain (through Milwaukee, NYK, DET, POR, NOP)
- 6'3" point guard from France with elite athleticism and speed
- Played professionally in France's top league (LNB Pro A) with Saint-Quentin before the draft
- Named Basketball Champions League Best Young Player (2025)
- Scored a record 45 points in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament
- Assigned to Long Island Nets (G League) in December 2025 for development
- At 19, he's the youngest player on the roster alongside Ben Saraf
Details
Pre-NBA Career
Traore developed through France's Centre Federal system, progressing from 2.2 PPG as a 16-year-old to 16.8 PPG by his final year. He then played 7 games in France's top division with Saint-Quentin, averaging 10.3 PPG and setting the league record for most points by a player under 18 (25 points).
His international pedigree includes:
- Nike Hoop Summit (2024): 18 points, 4 assists
- BCL record for most points by a player under 21 (27 vs. Kolossos Rhodes)
- Early baccalauréat diploma — he's cerebral off the court
Development Path
Unlike Egor Demin who stepped into a starting role immediately, Traore's path is slower. The G League assignment signals the Nets want him to get consistent reps and develop his half-court game — his transition play is elite but he needs to improve his jumper and decision-making in the pick-and-roll.
The Demin-Traore Backcourt Question
The Nets drafted two point guards in the top 19 picks. Long-term, they either:
- Play together (Demin at 6'8" can play off-ball, Traore handles)
- One moves to shooting guard
- One becomes the trade piece
The size differential (Demin 6'8" vs. Traore 6'3") actually makes them complementary — Demin as the big playmaker, Traore as the speedy scoring guard.
Related
Open Questions
- When does Traore become a full-time NBA rotation player — Year 2 or Year 3?
- Can he develop a reliable three-point shot to complement his driving game?
- Is the Demin-Traore backcourt the long-term answer, or will one be traded?