As the Brooklyn Nets navigate a challenging season, marked by mounting losses despite Jordi Fernández’s dedicated efforts, the franchise is pinning its hopes on the potential development of its young talents. Among these budding stars, Drake Powell’s recent performances offer a glimmer of optimism for the future.
Powell, who returned to the court after nursing a sprained ankle, has been a standout player over the past few weeks, providing some much-needed highlights in an otherwise challenging season for the Nets. His impressive play has not gone unnoticed, especially since he was acquired through a draft-rights trade with the Atlanta Hawks as the team’s third pick in the latest draft.
His performance in the recent matchup against the New York Knicks was perhaps the most remarkable of his budding NBA career, despite the game ending in another defeat for Brooklyn. Interestingly, Powell’s best performances have consistently come during these crosstown rivalries, hinting at his potential to shine under pressure.
During Monday’s game, Powell matched his career-high by scoring 15 points, while also contributing four assists and a steal. His emerging talent provides a beacon of hope for the Nets as they look to rebuild and secure a more promising future.
While Powell’s trajectory is promising, the Nets’ future may also hinge on other young prospects. There’s Egor Dëmin, the No. 8 pick, who could become a leading force at point guard, and Nolan Traore, the 19th pick, who is currently honing his skills in the G-League. Together, these players represent the potential building blocks of a revitalized Nets team.
Perhaps No. 8 pick Egor Dëmin will end up having the better career at point guard, or Nolan Traore, the 19th pick, will emerge from the G-League and develop into something as a Net.
Maybe Ben Saraf or Danny Wolf, picks No. 26 and 27, will also turn into something.
But for now, Powell, selected No. 22 after one season at North Carolina, where he impressed with his defense and showed raw potential on offense — plus plenty of athleticism — has most looked the part of an NBA player.
And Fernández is confident there’s more on both sides of the game for the 6-foot-6 20-year-old.
“As we go, he’s gonna continue to understand the league [and] the schemes, especially defensively,” Fernández said. “I consider him a very, very good defender with a really high ceiling defensively and I’m gonna keep challenging him to be better.”
Where there figures to be the most growth, though, is on offense, which was to be expected after his lone season at Chapel Hill.
Against the Knicks, he hit 5-of-10 shots from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range.
“He’s got to keep trusting his shot,’’ Fernández said. “He’s got to be comfortable shooting a little bit faster. That just comes with time and work. I think he’ll be OK.”
On top of the numbers, Fernández seemed most pleased with Powell’s style of play.
“I’m happy with how he looked out there,” Fernández said. “He looked free out there, having fun [and] playing really hard. We’ve got to continue taking really positive steps with him.”
Though Powell has been at his best when facing the Knicks, he’s been solid consistently.
Over his past nine games since returning from the ankle injury, he’s played over 21 minutes per game and averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 assists, 2.2 rebounds and a steal.
“I’m out there playing basketball, trying to be aggressive and trust myself, my teammates and coaches,” Powell said. “Versatility is a big thing for me and I do my best to make the right basketball play.”
And he credited assistant coach Corey Vincent, part of the team’s player development staff, with aiding his adjustment to the league.
“We have multiple film meetings and they’re very important to me,” Powell said. “I want to continue to buy into those. I think that will help translate onto the court.”
Whether that translates into winning eventually is up to Powell, his other young teammates and — most likely — some players who aren’t in Brooklyn yet.
