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Nets rookie in line for first extended NBA audition after G League breakout
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- Nets rookie in line for first extended NBA audition after G League breakout
Nets rookie in line for first extended NBA audition after G League breakout appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Nolan Traore has been the forgotten Brooklyn Nets rookie early this season. While Egor Demin , Drake Powell , Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf have all played extended NBA minutes, Traore has spent his time in the G League with the Long Island Nets.
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However, Brooklyn recalled Traore ahead of Friday's road matchup with the Dallas Mavericks . Following a breakout stint with Long Island, the No. 19 pick could be in line for his first extended NBA audition.
With Egor Demin sidelined during the preseason, Traore struggled while battling Saraf for Brooklyn's point guard minutes. After a slow start in the G League, the French floor general — who many considered a top-10 prospect at this time last year — has turned a corner over the last month.
Nets recall Nolan Traore from G League following dominant stretch
Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Over his last nine games, Traore has averaged 20.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.9 turnovers on 53/53/79 shooting splits. He's used his blazing speed to consistently touch the paint and create opportunities for himself and others.
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After struggling to take care of the ball early on, his 2.42 assist-to-turnover ratio over his last nine games has been encouraging. Traore's three-point shooting — a concern surrounding his game entering the draft — has also surely caught the eye of Brooklyn's coaching staff.
The 19-year-old shot 18.2 percent (4-of-22) from three on 2.2 attempts per 36 minutes across his four preseason appearances and first four G League games. However, he's shot 53.2 percent (25-of-47) on 5.6 attempts per 36 minutes across his last nine outings with Long Island. Traore is one of three G League players averaging at least 6.0 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from three, alongside Windy City's Mac McClung and Noblesville's Steven Ashworth
In addition to his three-point shooting, Traore has been efficient as a driver, converting 52.6 percent of his two-point attempts in the G League.
Friday's game could mark Traore's first extended NBA minutes in over six weeks. He played 21 minutes during an Oct. 27 loss to the Houston Rockets , posting four points, one rebound, three assists and two turnovers on 1-of-5 shooting.
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With a five-day layoff this week due to the NBA Cup, the Nets assigned Powell and Saraf to the G League . Both rookies played in Long Island's games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Brooklyn recalled Powell on Thursday alongside Traore, while Saraf remained with Long Island.
Saraf started the Nets' first five games of the season before the team sent him down to the G League. He recently rejoined Brooklyn's rotation, averaging 8.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.8 turnovers on 43/30/86 shooting splits over the team's last five games.
Traore's call-up continues the Nets' rookie point guard carousel.
Related: Danny Wolf's 'Jewish Joker' nickname has Draymond Green up in arms – 'F**k outta here'
Related: AJ Dybantsa dominates at MSG in front of potential Nets teammate Egor Demin
