Nolan Traoré’s G League Surge Sparks Call-Up Buzz
Nolan Traoré, the Brooklyn Nets’ No. 19 pick from the recent draft, has found himself in a unique position this season. As the youngest player on the roster and one of the youngest in the entire NBA at just 19 years old, he’s been largely overshadowed by his fellow “Flatbush Five” teammates, who have all seen significant playing time. Traoré, however, has embarked on a journey of development that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Limited NBA Opportunities
Despite the promise that Traoré holds, his opportunities in the NBA have been limited. In the Nets’ first 23 games of the season, he has made only four appearances, accumulating just 35 minutes on the court. His performance in those limited outings has yielded modest stats: seven points, five assists, and two steals, with a shooting line of 2-for-9. These numbers reflect the challenges he faces in adjusting to the professional level, particularly given his relatively small frame of 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, which can make physical matchups difficult.
G League Dominance
To aid his growth, Traoré has been frequently assigned to the G League, spending considerable time with the Long Island Nets since November 19. His G League experience has been extensive, as he leads all Nets rookies with 12 games played. Prior to Long Island’s recent game on Tuesday, Traoré had been averaging an impressive 18.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and an impressive 42.6% from beyond the arc. This improvement in shooting efficiency, particularly his confidence from three-point range—where he attempts an average of 5.5 shots per game—indicates a marked development in his game.
Game-Changing Performance
In his latest outing for the Long Island Nets, Traoré showcased his readiness for a potential call-up in a standout performance against the College Park Skyhawks. He recorded 19 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds while shooting a commendable 9-for-14 from the field. Notably, he also demonstrated improved ball handling with just two turnovers and a career-high four steals, addressing concerns about his defensive capabilities.
Roster Dynamics and Future Prospects
The current depth of the Nets’ guard rotation, featuring starters Egor Demin and Terance Mann alongside bench players Ben Saraf and Drake Powell, complicates Traoré’s path to regular minutes. However, with the trade deadline approaching, speculation is rife that the Nets may explore moving players like Mann, which could open up opportunities for Traoré to step into a more prominent role.
Even if trades do not materialize immediately, there remains a strong case for the Nets’ coaching staff to integrate Traoré into their rotation. Whether that means extending the rotation or reallocating minutes from players like Jalen Wilson, the time may be ripe for the young guard to prove himself at the NBA level.
As Traoré continues to impress in the G League, the call for his promotion grows louder. His performances indicate not just a readiness for the NBA, but also highlight the untapped potential that the Nets may soon wish to unleash.
