Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore struggled in the team’s 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday but remains confident about his chances to bounce back. Traore logged 16 minutes off the bench but managed just three points and two rebounds, finishing with a minus-13 plus/minus rating.
After Friday’s practice, Traore acknowledged his underwhelming debut. “I think I didn’t play my best. That wasn’t the best game I did, for sure. I think I have to bring more pace to the game. That’s my strength so I got to use it more. But, it’ll be all right,” he told reporters.
The Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez deployed 10 players in the opener, with nine logging at least 16 minutes. Traore was among those who looked out of sync during much of his time on the court. Still, his performance toward the end of last season suggested he has more to offer as one of the point guards in Brooklyn’s rotation.
Traore also emphasized the need for the team to sharpen its focus on details after a game they did not consider their best. “I think we have to be focused on the details. We didn’t show our best last time,” he said. Looking ahead, Traore flagged the upcoming contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a chance for the Nets to play with more physicality. “I think Cleveland’s going to be a good game because they’re really physical, and we have to be way more physical. So, I’m just excited for the next game.”
Forward Michael Porter Jr. praised Traore’s speed and its role in the team’s strategy during training camp. “Nolan’s one of the fastest players in the league so we’re able to run up and down. A big emphasis is getting shots up in the first six seconds. So, if we can run the ball, find guys on the wings, shoot threes, get downhill, I think that’ll make us a tough team to guard,” Porter said.
Traore’s difficult start in his second NBA season contrasts with the promise he showed late last season. The Nets are still seeking their first win of the year, and Traore’s ability to tap into his strengths could be important in turning their fortunes.
The team now prepares for their next game against Cleveland, where Traore and his teammates will look to improve on the details they missed against Charlotte.
According to Yahoo Sports.