Novak is getting praise after a solid performance during his first extended NBA audition

ByNBAUSA


Brooklyn Nets newcomer Nolan Traore has spent the last two months waiting for an extended NBA opportunity. After the G League layoff, the 19th pick took him on Sunday.

Traore played 22 minutes during The Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 96-81he recorded eight points, three rebounds, two assists and one turnover. He deserved praise from head coach Jordi Fernandez for his poise at the point guard against one of the NBA’s best defenses.

“(He was) very good. He looked confident. He looked in rhythm. He shot when he had to. He was solid with the ball. He played the pick-and-roll. He looked fast. He kept, defensively, the ball in front,” Fernandez said. “(Imanuel) Quickley is a very good player and fast, and he kept him in front. . . . Overall, he did a great job. All the minutes he played right now on Long Island seemed to pay off. He came here with a lot of confidence, and that’s what it’s all about. Minutes are the best coach to develop. And he used those minutes on Long Island. And he used those minutes on Long Island. let’s win this game.”

After struggling through the preseason and his first games in the G League, Traore has found his groove with the Long Island Nets in recent weeks.

Nolan Traore impresses during first extended NBA action in nearly two months

Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) brings the ball up court while being defended by Toronto Raptors guard/forward Grady Dick (1) during the first half at Barclays Centre.
John Jones-Imagn Images

The French floor general is averaging 20.0 points on 54/51/83 shooting with 6.9 assists and 3.1 turnovers per game over his last 10 G League appearances. His ball handling and tremendous speed were on display against the Raptors.

Traore scored on a pair of drives, knocked down a pick-and-roll pull-up three and found his teammates on the perimeter for several open threes. He held his own defensively, recording a steal and a block as Brooklyn limited Toronto to 32-of-86 shooting (37.2 percent).

“I was waiting for this game and I just took advantage of the opportunity they gave me. I think I did well and I hope it will continue,” said Traore. “It really helps that when you’re not playing (in the NBA), you get to play some good minutes in Long Island. It’s kind of the same rules as here, so it’s easy to translate to Brooklyn. . . . I think the more you play, the more confidence you get and tonight is a great example.”

With a beginner Drake Powell is sidelined with a sprained ankleTraore could continue to see minutes on Brooklyn’s second unit this week. The Nets will travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday before taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.





2025-12-22 21:58:00

Similar Posts