The next prospect set to continue France’s NBA dominance

France's influence on the NBA keeps growing, and recent drafts highlight its significance. 

After Victor Wembanyama’s surge to the top of the 2023 NBA Draft, the 2024 draft showed France’s rising dominance. 

Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were selected first and second overall, marking a historic moment as two French players were chosen at the top of the draft. 

Tidjane Salaun’s selection at sixth made it the first time a non-U.S. country produced three top-10 picks in a single NBA draft. Pacome Dadiet was picked late in the first round, adding to the French presence. 

While French players have been part of the NBA for decades, they’ve never entered at such high ranks, especially with young talents making early marks in the draft.

Yet, France’s NBA impact is only beginning. Another prospect, Nolan Traore, is already drawing attention ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.

At 6-foot-4, 18-year-old Traore plays for Saint-Quentin in France’s top league. Known for his versatility on offense, Traore is described as a three-level scorer, smart playmaker and high basketball IQ.

His experience in the French and Champions League is refining his skills against elite competition, setting him apart from many of his American counterparts.

Traore’s performances have earned him top-five projections in multiple 2025 mock drafts. 

Before this season, he split his time between Saint-Quentin and Centre Fédéral de Basket-ball (CFBB), the affiliate of the prestigious INSEP training institute near Paris. 

Last season with CFBB, Traore averaged 16.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and two steals across 27 games. In the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, he impressed with 24.8 points and 6.5 assists over four games, further cementing his status as a top prospect.

Through eleven games with Saint-Quentin, he posted averages of 10.9 points and 5.1 assists in 21 minutes per contest.

Traore has fully transitioned to Saint-Quentin this season, averaging 12.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists in nine games. Now a full-time member of the team, his game continues to develop.

Although his shooting numbers remain a work in progress, his season has shown promising flashes amid the typical adjustments of an 18-year-old finding his footing in professional basketball.

In his Champions League debut, Traore scored 27 points, adding five assists and two steals on 9-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers. He’s already logged two 20-point games this season domestically, including a double-double with 10 assists against Nancy Basket. 

With most of the season still ahead, Traore will likely deliver more standout performances as NBA scouts and analysts watch him closely before the 2025 draft.

The rise of French talent is apparent beyond just the draft. At the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, a record-tying 14 players from France appeared on opening night rosters, and that number seems set to grow. 

With prospects like Traore on the horizon, France’s presence in the NBA shows no signs of slowing down.