Traoré, Saraf Impress in Nets’ Blowout Win Over Hornets

Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf are making strong cases to win the backup point guard role in the Brooklyn Nets' preseason.

Both put together impressive performances in Brooklyn's 34-point blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Traoré finished with 10 points on 3-for-4 shooting in 10 minutes, and Saraf finished with eight points on 3-for-7 shooting in 15 minutes.

Coach Jordi Fernández gave Saraf the early nod over Traoré, subbing him in at the 3:33 mark in the first quarter.

The Israeli guard made an immediate impact, driving downhill and kicking out to Moritz Wagner in the corner on his first possession. He nailed a three-pointer on the next possession.

Saraf shot 21.1% from three last season, and the two he made on Tuesday show some promising improvement.

Traoré made his first appearance at the 6:58 mark in the third quarter. The French guard didn't attempt a three, focusing on attacking the rim with much success.

He consistently got two feet into the paint, passed to teammates for wide-open threes or finished over a defender's outstretched arms.

His small sample size showed dramatic improvement from last season. Traoré shot 45% at the rim, and his rim percentage was the worst among all guards with more than 1,000 minutes played.

Their improvement is an encouraging sign for the Nets. They are part of the Flatbush Five, a moniker given to the team's five first-round picks last season.

Egor Dëmin had the best rookie season and has made the largest jump among the five. He improved as a downhill scorer, and his growth likely cements him as a starter for Brooklyn.

Traoré or Saraf making a similar jump would fill the backup point guard role that general manager Sean Marks did not address in the offseason.

Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. is likely assuming the role in the regular season, but is nursing a left ankle sprain. Keon Ellis started on Tuesday, moving Dëmin to point guard.

Either panning out gives the Nets a reliable guard who can keep the offense flowing with downhill drives and forcing defenses to collapse.

The backup point guard battle will span over the next three preseason games. Brooklyn will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, the Washington Wizards next Monday and close against the Miami Heat next Wednesday.

Neither has created separation yet, which is impressive for Traoré, who missed the entirety of summer league after a knee scope.