As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, Nolan Traore, a 6’3” point guard, brings a mix of speed, playmaking flair, and defensive upside that makes him a prospect worth watching. His draft stock has had its ups and downs, but most analysts peg him as a top-20 talent with room to grow.
Teams across the league are starting to see him as a potential piece to build around or bolster their backcourt. With data research, playing style breakdowns, and expert takes, the focus here is on why these teams make sense and how he could fit into their plans. Let’s explore the possibilities.
1. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have Luka Doncic, a superstar who runs the show, but they’ve long needed another ball-handler to lighten his load.
Saint-Quentin’s Nolan Traoré’s anthro measurements + athletic testing results from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine activities in Treviso:
6’3″ barefoot, 175 lbs, 6’8” wingspan, 8’5 ½” reach, 7 ¾” x 9 ¼” hands
Sprint: 3.26
Pro Lane: 10.75
Shuttle: 2.85
No-Step Vert: 28”
Max Vert: 34” pic.twitter.com/9gTACGO9IS— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 5, 2025
Traore’s quickness and ability to spark plays in transition could be just what this team needs. At 6’3”, he’s got the size to handle NBA guards, and his knack for pushing the pace fits a squad that thrives when moving fast. If the Mavs land a pick in the late lottery or early teens, he could be a steal.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Few teams do international talent like the San Antonio Spurs. They’ve turned overseas gems into cornerstones, from Tony Parker to Manu Ginobili. Traore, with his French roots and pro experience, feels like a natural fit for their system. The Spurs love players who move the ball, read the floor, and hold their own on defense, all areas where Traore shines.
His versatility to play on or off the ball suits San Antonio’s fluid style.
Pair him with their young core, and he could grow under Gregg Popovich’s steady hand. With a pick likely in the mid-to-late first round, they’d be grabbing a prospect who could pay off big down the line. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a team that plays the long game.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are stockpiling talent and draft picks, building a roster with youth and upside. Traore could slide right into this mix, bringing playmaking and defensive grit to a backcourt with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. His speed would juice up OKC’s transition game, a staple of their identity.
4. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have LaMelo Ball, a wizard with the ball, but they could use another guard to share the load. Traore’s burst and playmaking make him a candidate to team up with Ball, creating a tough backcourt to stop. His ability to attack in transition would feed into Charlotte’s up-tempo style, letting Ball roam for creative plays. If Charlotte picks in the late lottery or early teens, Traore could be a brilliant grab. He’d bring balance to a team looking to take the next step in the East.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers need backcourt help, especially with questions swirling around their guard rotation. Traore could step in as a young option to develop behind their stars. His playmaking and defensive tools fit a system that leans on ball movement and toughness, traits Philly values under Nick Nurse. Traore’s speed would add a gear to the Sixers’ transition game, while his ability to switch roles keeps their lineups versatile.
KEEP READING: Top 5 Point Guards Entering the 2025 NBA Draft Ft. Dylan Harper
Where he lands could hinge on fit as much as talent. A squad that lets him play to his strengths, speed, and creativity, might unlock a steal. Traore’s path points to a role as a sparkplug guard who grows into more. The 2025 draft will be a big moment; his next steps could signal a breakout star in the making.
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