Prospective NBA draftee Nolan Traore, French basketball sensation, announced draft entry plans as a projected top 20 selection.
Rocked the Basketball World: French Phenom, Nolan Traore, Bounds for the NBA
Attention, basketball fans! Get ready to root for a fresh talent poised to shake up the NBA scene next season. Nolan Traore, a 18-year-old prodigy hailing from France, is set to create a stir as he's tipped to be a top-20 pick in the upcoming draft. Traore made his announcement to ESPN on Thursday, brimming with excitement about his next step.
"I'm thrilled to be taking the next step in my career by declaring for the NBA draft!" he exclaimed. "My team and I still have goals to accomplish – finishing the regular season powerfully, making the playoffs, and having a phenomenal pre-draft process. I dream of being drafted to a team that offers a pathway to immediate playing time."
Nolan currently holds the 18th spot on ESPN's draft rankings, following a stellar season where he's averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists in 23 minutes per game, showcasing his remarkable ability even against seasoned opponents. The six-foot-four point guard from Saint-Quentin expressed his readiness to take on the challenge.
"It's been a tough season in France, but it's made me a stronger and more resilient player," Traore stated during the announcement. "The NBA won't be a walk in the park, but I believe this experience will help me immensely."
Traore first came to the attention of American fans when he showcased his talent at last year's Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 18 points and distributing four assists against other potential top-five picks like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Cooper Flagg. Most recently, he set the ANGT Finals scoring record at the Euroleague Final Four with an astounding 45-point performance in an overtime victory over European giants Barcelona.
Only Victor Wembanyama among French prospects has shouldered such a significant offensive load this season, with Traore ranking No. 2 in the league with a 29% usage rate. The next NBA draft combine takes place on May 11-18 in Chicago, followed by the draft on June 25-26 in New York.
With his impressive playmaking instincts, court vision, and positional size, Traore possesses the potential to become a high-level NBA starter and even a franchise cornerstone if he continues to develop properly. However, he'll need to improve his shooting efficiency and physical development to succeed at the NBA level.
In terms of physicality, Traore stands at approximately 6'4" to 6'5", boasting a wingspan of around 6'6" to 6'8". He weighs roughly 184 lbs and showcases impressive athleticism, with a reported 34.5-inch max vertical leap.
Traore's professional experience in France and performances in international competitions have clearly caught the attention of scouts, setting the stage for his upcoming NBA journey. If he honors his potential, this young Frenchman might just become a significant contributor – or even a leading point guard – in the NBA.
[1] [Reuters] (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/french-prospect-nolan-traore-heads-to-nba-draft-2025-2025-04-08/)
[2] [Sporting News] (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nolan-traore-nba-draft-2025-scouting-report-player-profile/1nar43eu3yzul1jr5wvtfaocr)
[3] [ESPN] (https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2025/prospects/_/id/4753324)
[4] [Basketball Insiders] (https://www.basketballinsiders.com/draft/separate-fact-from-fiction-nolan-traore/)
- The French prospect, Nolan Traore, has confirmed his entry into the NBA draft, aiming to be a top-20 pick.
- Traore, currently ranked 18th in ESPN's draft rankings, has averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists in 23 minutes per game.
- In the upcoming NBA playoffs, basketball fans will be rooting for Traore, who dreams of being drafted to a team offering a pathway to immediate playing time.
- Traore's impressive performance at the Euroleague Final Four, where he set the ANGT Finals scoring record with 45 points, has caught the attention of scouts.
- With his strong playmaking instincts, court vision, and positional size, Traore has the potential to become a high-level NBA starter, even a franchise cornerstone.
- The upcoming NBA draft combine in Chicago and the draft in New York will determine Traore's future in the Sports world, with his success largely dependent on improving his shooting efficiency and physical development.
