Sean Marks confirmed on Monday that 20-year-old guard Nolan Traore will miss the Nets’ Summer League after undergoing a scope on his right knee. The procedure follows an injury that limited him during his rookie campaign, and Marks said the team expects a full recovery in time for training camp in the fall.
Traore posted 8.9 points per game as a rookie while shooting 38 percent from the floor. The Nets also locked down several other pieces: Day’Ron Sharpe signed a two-year, $20 million deal after posting a career-high 8.7 points per game in seven starts last season; Josh Minott secured a two-year, $9 million contract after averaging 10.8 points per game; and the team exercised the option on guard Malachi Smith, who started four games and averaged 8.3 points. The franchise finished with just 20 wins, underscoring the need for every contribution.
Marks emphasized that the organization is focused on building culture and competition. “I never want to put a cap on any of these teams,” he said, adding that the players are grinding in practice and feeding off each other’s energy. “We start establishing a real culture, and these guys are grinding and competing not only in practice, but they’re competing out there on the court, and that’s what I want to see.”
Even with low expectations around the league, the Nets’ young core remains confident they can “shock the world.” The rookies’ optimism reflects the front office’s recent moves, trading for Julius Randle and retaining Minott, Sharpe and Smith, which signal a commitment to a young core that can develop together.
Looking ahead, the priority is Traore’s rehabilitation timeline, with the goal of reporting to training camp in the fall. If his knee holds up, he could compete for a rotation spot alongside Sharpe, who is expected to see increased minutes after Nic Claxton’s departure. Minott’s steady scoring and Smith’s contributions will also shape the back-court as Brooklyn looks to translate its offseason acquisitions into a more competitive unit next season.
Brooklyn Nets 
