Nolan Traore is learning to use his speed in the NBA
Now well established in the Nets starting five, Nolan Traore signed his first double-double in the NBA last night with 13 points and 13 assists. win against the Bulls. The Frenchman has been playing without a complex for several weeks, and “his game is slowing down” to use an American expression.
“With experience, you get used to the speed of the game. And now everything is getting better and better, I hope it will continue to be that way” answers the newcomer at the press conference. “I have to give credit to my teammates. They set some really good screens. ‘Clak’ set a lot of good screens. It opens up the court, it allows me to make decisions and hopefully I make the right ones.”
Nolan Traore talks about his relationship with Nick Claxton (28 points, 10 rebounds). Their two-man game is the team’s engine when Michael Porter Jr. isn’t around, and the two keep getting better and better.
Coach’s trust
“It’s something that is built every day” continues the Frenchman. “I’m learning the right time to throw the ball to alley-oops in the right situations and teaching him how to better set screens to get the ball. It’s really a daily job.”
Another important element in his progress, the trust of his coach, Jordi Fernandes. The Spanish technician was not kind to him at the start of the season, but today he is handing him the keys to the team.
“He trusts me a lot with the ball, and that’s very important to me. Sometimes I’m the one announcing the system, sometimes it’s him. This relationship builds over time and can only improve.” answers Nolan Traore, before concluding on the difference between Europe and the NBA. “There is more space in the NBA. There are also good shooters in Europe, of course, but there is more space here. The defense is maybe a little less solid, and with my speed, it is easier for me to use them.”
2026-02-10 08:29:00
