With the 19th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets selected French point guard Nolan Traoré, a bold and potentially transformational move that may well define the next chapter for a franchise in search of identity and long-term direction. Coming off a transitional period with a mix of veteran talent, promising young players, and organizational restructuring, the Nets made it clear that they are leaning into potential, upside, and the international evolution of the game. Traoré, who played for Saint-Quentin BB in France’s top league, comes to Brooklyn with a unique blend of size, court vision, poise, and flair that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most cerebral floor generals.
Nolan Traoré is a 6-foot-4 point guard with a wingspan that gives him defensive versatility and the agility to navigate through tight half-court defenses with ease. At just 18 years old, he emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young talents, standing out not only in domestic competition but also in FIBA youth tournaments where he regularly matched up against older and more experienced competition. In the 2024–25 season with Saint-Quentin, he averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting over 35% from three and showcasing a natural ability to dictate the rhythm of the game. His maturity, particularly for someone his age, impressed scouts across the NBA and made him a late-rising star in pre-draft discussions.
Brooklyn’s decision to draft Traoré wasn’t just about filling a positional need—it was about building a foundation. With the departure of veteran leaders and an evolving roster that no longer includes the superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets are now focused on sustainable growth, chemistry, and long-term player development. They have complementary pieces like Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton, but they lacked a true playmaker to orchestrate the offense and facilitate both transition and half-court flow. Traoré’s arrival gives them just that—a lead guard who can create for others, manipulate defenses, and bring a new level of structure to the team’s offensive identity.
What sets Traoré apart isn’t just his skills, but the way he sees the floor. He’s not simply a pass-first guard in the traditional sense; he’s a tactical thinker. Whether it’s a quick outlet pass to initiate a break, a no-look bounce pass through traffic, or a high-IQ skip to an open shooter, Traoré’s passing repertoire is dynamic and precise. He plays with a calm confidence, rarely rattled, and he has the ability to slow down or speed up the game depending on what the moment calls for. He’s comfortable in the pick-and-roll, adept at using angles, and already understands how to manipulate defenders with subtle head fakes and hesitation dribbles.
Defensively, Traoré is still developing but shows significant promise. His length and quickness allow him to stay in front of quicker guards while also contesting shots effectively. He has active hands and good instincts, often jumping passing lanes or rotating quickly to cover breakdowns. Like many young players, he’ll need to adjust to the physicality and pace of the NBA, but the foundational tools are there. With proper coaching and a defensive-minded culture around him, he has the potential to become a plus defender at the point guard position.
Brooklyn’s player development staff has its work cut out, but they’ve proven capable of nurturing young talent in recent seasons. Players like Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe have shown improvement under the current regime, and the Nets’ investment in sports science and analytics suggests they are building an environment conducive to long-term player success. With Traoré, the focus will be on refining his decision-making, helping him adjust to NBA spacing, and encouraging him to develop a more consistent pull-up game to complement his passing and driving abilities. The three-point shot is already functional, but more reps and confidence will be crucial.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Traoré’s game is his ability to lead despite his youth. Coaches and teammates have described him as unselfish, detail-oriented, and deeply focused on improvement. His demeanor off the court mirrors his style on it—composed, thoughtful, and purposeful. For a Nets team trying to re-establish a culture built on accountability and growth, Traoré could serve as a foundational leader in the years to come. He doesn’t chase highlight plays for the sake of flash. He reads what the game needs and responds with precision and poise. That maturity is rare for an 18-year-old and likely a big reason why Brooklyn took a chance on him at 19.
From an organizational perspective, the Nets’ decision to go international with their first-round selection also reinforces the NBA’s global reach. European basketball has evolved dramatically in recent years, and France in particular has become a powerhouse for producing NBA-ready talent. Players like Victor Wembanyama, Bilal Coulibaly, and Ousmane Dieng have paved the way, and Traoré is part of the next wave. His style blends the best of European fundamentals with the athleticism and flair required to succeed in the NBA. Brooklyn’s willingness to scout and draft outside the U.S. collegiate system is a testament to the globalization of talent evaluation.
For the fans in Brooklyn, the selection of Nolan Traoré may not have been the most headline-grabbing pick, but it could prove to be one of the most meaningful. Traoré is the kind of player who earns trust over time—someone who may not dominate box scores in his rookie year, but who will steadily grow into his role and eventually take control of games with his mind as much as his body. His unselfish nature, high basketball IQ, and leadership potential make him the type of player that coaches love to build around.
The NBA game will present challenges, of course. Traoré will need to acclimate to stronger, faster defenders, more complex schemes, and a longer season. He’ll face pressure as the only French point guard drafted in the first round this year, and he’ll be asked to perform under the bright lights of New York City media and expectations. But he’s not coming into this with delusions of grandeur. He knows the work ahead, and he’s prepared to embrace it. That mentality, combined with his skill set, gives him a legitimate chance to succeed.
Nets general manager Sean Marks has often talked about building a sustainable future—one rooted in development, discipline, and cohesion. The selection of Nolan Traoré aligns perfectly with that philosophy. He may not be the savior of the franchise overnight, but he represents hope, direction, and intentional growth. He’s the type of player who can grow with the team, evolve alongside other young pieces, and eventually serve as a steadying force during crunch-time minutes in playoff games.
Looking ahead, the trajectory for Traoré’s rookie season will likely involve a mix of learning, adjusting, and incremental impact. He’ll probably begin as a rotational player, backing up more experienced guards while soaking up the system and refining his timing. But by the end of the season, there’s every chance he could carve out a meaningful role. With his feel for the game, dedication to improvement, and natural leadership, he may emerge as the unexpected gem of the 2025 draft class.
The future is uncertain for any young NBA prospect, but in Nolan Traoré’s case, the signs are promising. He has the tools, the mindset, and the platform to grow into a special player. For the Brooklyn Nets, drafting Traoré wasn’t just about today—it was about tomorrow. It was about laying the bricks for a stronger, more cohesive future, one led by players who understand the game at a high level and are willing to work every day to get better.
In Nolan Traoré, the Nets didn’t just draft a player—they may have drafted their next great floor general. The journey will take time, but Brooklyn has made its bet. And if all goes to plan, that bet could pay off in the form of leadership, stability, and long-term success for a franchise ready to rebuild the right way.
