Nets Draft French Point Guard Nolan Traore No. 19

The Brooklyn Nets selected French point guard Nolan Traore with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a pick that originally belonged to the New York Knicks before multiple trades. Traore, known for his elite speed, playmaking skills, and size at 6'4", played for Saint-Quentin in France's top league and averaged around 11.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. Although once projected as a lottery pick, his draft stock fell due to inconsistencies in shooting efficiency, turnovers, and defensive adaptation concerns. The Nets, who also drafted Russian point guard Egor Demin, now have a surplus of talent at the guard position, leaving Traore's immediate role uncertain but highlighting his potential as a high-level starter with proper development. Experts like Jonathan Givony consider Traore a worthy gamble for Brooklyn, given his upside and fit. This pick is part of the Nets' strategy to capitalize on multiple first-round selections acquired through prior trades involving the Knicks and other teams.