This dynamic guard might be the long-term playmaker Phoenix desperately needs.
If you’ve been following our prospect coverage here at Bright Side, you’ll know there’s one source I consistently turn to for a clearer, more insightful read on the draft landscape. No Ceilings. Their year-round work on prospect scouting is some of the most thorough you’ll find, and this time of year, I’m diving into their Substack more than ever.
While they may not be the definitive authority on mock drafts, evaluating talent is what they live and breathe. So when their latest mock has a player pegged for the Phoenix Suns at No. 29 in the 2025 NBA Draft, it grabs my attention. And the name they’ve connected to the Suns?
Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin (France)
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 180 pounds
- Age: 19 years old
- Experience: One year at Alabama
- 2024-25 Statistics: 12.3 points (41.0 FG%, 31.4 3PT%, 71.1 FT%), 1.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.5 turnovers, 0.7 steals
Yes, another point guard. And honestly, it makes sense. Plenty of Suns fans and analysts alike have circled this position as an offseason priority, and with good reason. Who’s running point for Phoenix next season? Tyus Jones and Monte Morris are both unrestricted free agents. And if you’re hanging onto the idea of a Beal/Booker backcourt experiment getting another go, I’d brace for disappointment. I don’t think Beal will be wearing a Suns jersey come October.
So, targeting a point guard in the draft? It’s a possibility, though a tricky one. As I’ve said before, it’s tough for rookie point guards to step in and make an immediate impact, especially in a win-now environment like Phoenix. The NBA’s pace, physicality, and complexity require time, reps, and patience.
And in this case, we’re talking about a 19-year-old international prospect: Nolan Traore.
Traore’s game has a certain smoothness to it that, at times, might be mistaken for passivity. But it’s not, he’s surveying the floor, calculating angles, and looking for the best way to orchestrate a quality look for his teammates. It reminds me a bit of Killian Hayes back in the 2020 draft cycle. Quality passer, French, loves getting into the paint. And we know how that played out: Hayes went No. 7 overall to Detroit and is now struggling for relevance in Brooklyn. Cautionary tale? Maybe. But if you’re seeking a natural facilitator, Traore’s an intriguing option.
Offensively, he’s methodical. Not a blur, not a high-flyer, but deceptively quick and capable of finishing with either hand. His jumper isn’t fully there yet, though the mechanics are clean and projectable. At 6’4”, he won’t wow you with verticality, but there’s a sneaky burst in his first step, and he understands pace, how to change speeds, and manipulate defenders.
Defensively, there’s work to be done. His anticipation on screens needs tightening, and his hands could be more disruptive in passing lanes. But he’s disciplined, active, and competitive on that end, which keeps him in the play and limits easy transition opportunities for the opposition.
The bottom line? It all comes down to scheme fit. I genuinely thought Tyus Jones was going to be the guy for Phoenix last year. And, well…here we are. So take that for what it’s worth.
Let’s roll the tape.
What I do like about Traore is his motor and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. That’s probably a big reason why you’re seeing him climb higher in mock drafts than you’d typically expect for a player whose shooting still needs work. He competes. He’s engaged defensively, he hustles in transition, and he looks to set up his teammates before hunting his own shot.
In a draft class short on true lead guards, those traits matter, especially for a team like Phoenix that badly needs someone to steady the ship at the one. And you see that in the mocks:
- ESPN: 20th to the Miami Heat
- Bleacher Report: 17th to the Minnesota Timberwolves
- NBA Draft.net: 25th to the Orlando Magic
- CBS Sports: 8th to the Brooklyn Nets
- HoopsHype: 15th to the Oklahoma City Thunder
He’s a dynamic guard with a high motor, elite speed, and a physical edge to his game. More of a transition player right now, Traore’s not afraid to absorb contact and finish at the rim. Defensively, he brings hustle and discipline. The technique still needs refining, but the foundation is there. What stands out for a player his age is his leadership and composure. He plays with a poise you don’t always see in 19-year-olds, especially ones asked to handle the ball and run an offense.
That said, if he wants to truly elevate his game at the NBA level, he’s going to have to tighten up those shooting mechanics and sharpen his decision-making under pressure. The tools are there, the mentality seems to be there. It’s about refinement now. And if the Suns are finally ready to start thinking about the future at point guard, leaning into the development pipeline Brian Gregory has referenced, this could be a solid starting point.
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