The rookie from Brooklyn is getting silverware amid a terrible start to the season

Drake Powell’s the offensive limitations were a red flag among NBA front offices entering the draft in June. However, the Brooklyn Nets were confident enough in the North Carolina wing’s two-way abilities to select him with the 22nd pick. The early returns on that selection, which many called a gamble, are promising.

Powell exceeded offensive expectations during his first NBA appearances. The 19-year-old was a bright spot throughout Sunday’s loss to the Knicksrecorded 15 points, two rebounds and three assists on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-3 from three.

“He’s a very good basketball player on both ends of the floor. If you watch the game, you can see how the kid can play with the ball in his hands. He can shoot, and he’s very athletic,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I think at his age now we can run games on the other end for him. He’s a more than capable shooter. All those things that we believe he’s going to continue to grow and impact the game … We had faith in how we saw him (during the draft process), and that’s why we have him here. And I believe he can be very special.”

Powell’s offensive prowess stole the show for a long time Sunday in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. Nets rookie it was comfortable to create off the dribble — hitting more deep threes, cutting to the rim on zoom drives and finding teammates in pick-and-rolls.

Drake Powell takes three plays before the drive and scores a zoom. He then runs a pick-and-roll and finds Tyrese Martin for a 3-pointer.

Novak has exceeded my expectations in attack so far. pic.twitter.com/PKpvgfPCfi

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) November 9, 2025

Drake Powell stops and pops the DHO, then drops a step back three in isolation.

Novak was the bright spot tonight. pic.twitter.com/ses1Dt4U25

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) November 10, 2025

Nets rookie Drake Powell is showing early promise with a two-way performance

Powell’s offensive performance against one of the NBA’s best teams is relatively surprising, given his limited role in North Carolina. The 6-foot-5 wing posted a usage rating of 13.8 last season. He is the first wing ever be composed with such a low usage rate during his pre-draft season, per the Athletic’s Sam Vecenie.

“I think growing up, I always wanted to be a versatile player. Someone who could fit into any role and excel in that role. The role I was given at North Carolina, I thought I could excel in that role,” Powell said after Sunday’s loss. “That’s ultimately what the coaches asked me to do. And now, just to continue to believe in myself and my versatility, that’s the biggest thing (I’ve focused on).”

Powell introduced a number of offensive tools last season. He shot 38.1 percent from three on 2.6 attempts per game and excelled as a transition finisher using his quickness and max vertical leap of 43 inches. However, many questioned his abilities as a player and decision maker.

Fernandez, who admired Powell’s speed and explosive athleticism, preaches simplicity amid new repetitions on the ball.

“The only thing I want him to do is play from three dribbles,” the coach said. “Sometimes he gets caught dribbling too much in the same spot. That just gets you in trouble, especially at this level. And he did that a couple of times (last game). But he’s very special.”

Powell received the same coaching point in North Carolina.

“It actually goes back to what Hubert Davis used to tell us: simple acts. So just continuing to believe in the simple game. I think that can help me keep going,” he said.

Defensively, Powell stood out through Brooklyn’s struggles. He boasts elite measurables at 6-foot-5.25 barefoot with a 7-foot wingspan and 205 pounds. His length and fluid mobility consistently put him in favorable positions while guarding the ball and off the ball.

Powell was given challenging assignments during his first full NBA games, guarding Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson in overtime.

“You can’t give them any corners. They have a counter for everything,” he said of his meal. “They’re able to use the bump (to create space), given their strength. I think just continuing to watch film and continue to develop in the gym can help me long-term.”

Drake Powell does a good job defending Cade Cunningham, then hits a slider on the ensuing possession. pic.tvitter.com/LOiJzSrJGg

— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) November 8, 2025

After missing most of the offseason with left knee tendinopathy and spraining his ankle twice earlier this season, Powell appears to have cemented a spot in Brooklyn’s rotation. With Cam Thomas was sidelined with a hamstring injury and the Nets floundering, his workload should steadily increase as the season progresses.

“I think (Drake) is doing a great job. He plays extremely hard, and that’s how I want a lot of players to play,” Fernandez said. “It’s almost to the point where you have to look for a replacement. We have to be careful with his minutes because of the increase, but I’m very happy with how he played and how he affected the game on both ends. There were mistakes. Like everyone else, he wasn’t perfect. I’m very happy with him.”