Nolan Traore has not suited up for any Summer League action this summer, stuck on the sidelines rehabbing a right knee scope. But here’s the news that should have Brooklyn fans buzzing: his recovery is reportedly progressing well.
The Rehab Reality: What We Know Right Now
That knee scope on his right knee was to fix something Traore was dealing with during the entire 2025-26 campaign, per Nets GM Sean Marks. Marks had told everyone before the summer circuit kicked off that Traore would be ready for training camp this fall, and all signs point to that being true. Brian Lewis from the New York Post dropped a quick update on X, saying, "Nolan Traore isn’t playing in Summer League because of his knee scope, but he made the trip to Vegas and is progressing well." The real kicker? Lewis’s post had a 10-second video. What do we see? Traore’s shooting standstill shots. That’s it. Now, that might sound like a small thing, but it implies he’s not quite cleared for full-on jumpshots yet. Still, getting on the court at all, even for standstill shots, after what's essentially minimally-invasive knee surgery, a knee arthroscopy, is a huge step in the right direction. It means the team’s being cautious, which you absolutely love to see for a young talent like Nolan.Traore's Future in a Crowded Backcourt
This rehab isn't just about getting back on the court, it’s about what Nolan Traore brings to the Nets' future. The kid, only 20 years old, had a pretty solid rookie season, averaging 8.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His shooting splits were 38.0% from the field and 31.8% from three, which he’ll want to improve, for sure. But think about those numbers for a 20-year-old point guard straight out the gate. That's a foundation. Now, heading into next season, the competition at point guard is going to be fierce. Traore is going to be battling for minutes with Mikel Brown Jr., who came in as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Ben Saraf, the No. 26 pick from the 2025 NBA Draft. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez isn’t against running multiple point guards at the same time, which is good news for Traore. It means there could be more spots available in the rotation than on some other squads. But let’s be real, how he performs in camp, and how well he looks post-surgery, will absolutely dictate if he locks down that rotation spot. So, while we won’t see Traore tearing it up in Summer League, knowing he’s progressing well and already getting up standstill shots is a massive positive. The entire Brooklyn coaching staff, and especially Coach Fernandez, will be watching closely when training camp rolls around. His full recovery isn't just about his health; it’s about solidifying his place in a competitive backcourt and proving those rookie flashes were just the beginning. The goal is clear: full health, strong camp, and an impact on the floor come regular season. We're all watching to see what happens next.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.