Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed frustration with rookie Nolan Traore following Thursday’s game against the Houston Rockets, specifically pointing to Traore’s approach on offense.
The young guard struggled to find rhythm, missing seven of his eight shots overall and converting just one of his five attempts from beyond the arc.
Fernandez made it clear that he wants Traore to lean into the parts of his game that put pressure on defenses, rather than settling for perimeter looks that play into opponents’ plans.
“I need him to use his superpowers and touch the paint. And it felt like he got caught shooting the unders. And a lot of times it didn’t go … because that’s what they want you to do,” Fernandez said.
He continued by stressing the importance of adjusting when shots are not falling, adding that repeatedly making the same choices without results is counterproductive, especially given how much confidence he has in Traore’s ability.
The message appeared to land quickly. In Friday’s game, Traore avoided the three-point line altogether, focusing instead on attacking and scoring 12 points in 26 minutes, a shift that aligned more closely with what his coach had been urging him to do.
Nets Notes: Thomas, Porter Jr., Claxton, Sharpe, Traore https://t.co/OBf7dIPPGu pic.twitter.com/Yt7LLHXMB5
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 3, 2026
