Nets Second-Year G Traoré Taking Advantage of Increased Time

With the Brooklyn Nets losing second-year point guard Egor Dёmin early in the season to injury, head coach Jordi Fernández had to quickly adjust, inserting fellow sophomore guard Nolan Traoré into the starting five.

Traoré, who was one of the Nets' NBA-record five first rounders selected during last year's draft, has answered the call, scoring in double-digits in all but one of his starts.

Entering Sunday's lopsided loss against the Dallas Mavericks, Traoré had averaged 15.6 points per game, shooting at a 57% clip from the field and a 49% mark from 3-point range.

After struggling to put together consistent shooting efforts last season, Traoré looks much more comfortable from the outside, while also providing major value on the defensive end.

The 20-year old Frenchman is also averaging two steals per game in the month of November, and was riding a seven-game streak with at least one theft before the Dallas loss.

In the game prior, a close 3-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Traoré had arguably his best all-around game of the year, scoring a season-high 19 points, while notching five steals and two assists.

Traoré was extremely efficient from the field, knocking down 8-of-10 shot attempts and lacing two long balls.

As he looks to parlay this production into a long-term role going forward, Traoré's confidence from the outside must continue.

Outside of Dëmin, the other four first-round draft picks from Brooklyn's haul two seasons ago are trying to separate themselves and earn significant roles on the team going forward.

Traoré is the likely candidate to earn playing time with the current roster configuration, supplementing a backcourt needing to get healthy.

In his rookie season, Traoré appeared in 56 games, making 31 starts towards the end of the season.

After the NBA All-Star Break, Traoré showed significant growth, setting a career-high scoring mark against the Washington Wizards.

Pouring in 23 points, knocking down five 3-pointers and adding seven assists, this performance marked a fourth straight game of double-digit scoring and strong passing.

After a scoreless initial minute of gameplay, Traoré nailed a top of the key 3-pointer to open the scoring for the Nets. From there, he got comfortable, pulling up for threes with confidence. 

As this confidence has seemingly carried over to his sophomore year, Traoré's improved play during Dëmin's injury has been very promising.

With Dëmin progressing from his bone bruise, Traoré will have additional opportunities to make his mark as a starter.

The Nets are back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans.