Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Best rank: 6 / Worst rank: 19
Statistics: 22.4 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 4.9 ap, 2.0 rpg, 0.0 bpg, 0.7 spg in 24 games so far this season.
Nolan Traoré’s playmaking and ball-handling abilities position him as one of the more intriguing high-risk, high-reward prospects in the 2024 draft class. His abilities to run an offense and his court vision make him a potential lottery candidate, especially for teams seeking a creative floor general or combo guard with facilitating ability. However, his draft stock remains uncertain, as it depends heavily on his ability to address key areas of concern: shot creation (on-and-off ball), three-point shooting, defensive consistency showing he can make the right reads, and overall impact on winning.
Traoré’s jumpshot remains a work in progress, particularly from beyond the arc. While his mechanics are sound, the release is noticeably slow, limiting his effectiveness as a shooter off the dribble. He shows promise in catch-and-shoot scenarios as he steps into his shot giving him more power from hi base, but inconsistency in shot selection and execution has kept him from becoming a reliable scoring threat. On the defensive end, his physicality and understanding of how to rotate while reading defenses need significant improvement to handle NBA-level athletes consistently.
If Traoré can improve his scoring versatility and develop a stronger defensive presence, his potential as a playmaking combo guard with point guard skills could make him a valuable long-term asset. His performance in European competition, especially against higher-caliber opponents, will be critical in shaping his draft outlook. For now, he projects as a late-lottery or fringe-top-10 pick, with the tools to either thrive as a creative playmaker or face challenges adapting to the demands of the NBA.
An international scout on Nolan Traoré: “His strength lies in running pick-and-roll, but becoming a multi-level scorer is crucial. Right now, without drawing fouls, he struggles to score consistently anywhere on the floor. His intangibles stand out – great floor vision, patient dribbling, and smooth navigation of primary and secondary reads. The Killian Hayes comparison is apt. Like Hayes, Traore’s shot is a concern, but Hayes was a better finisher at the rim as a prospect. Traore’s edge lies in his poise and decision-making, but without scoring gravity, his facilitation won’t fully translate to the NBA. He’s got potential, but he’s not a sure thing yet.”
