Drake Powell Left Fans Wanting More During His Rookie Season
- Dominic Konareski
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Coming off their worst season in nearly a decade, the Brooklyn Nets head into the offseason wishing for more. Brooklyn came into the season with low expectations in what was their first true rebuilding year under head coach Jordi Fernandez, and would finish 20-62 with a 13th-place ranking in the Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn had the youngest roster in the NBA this season, so it is unfair to some level at least to call player production disappointing. With that said, it is also very fair to say that fans were left with wanting just a bit more out of some as well.
Drake Powell is definitely one player that left fans wanting more. The 22nd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft posted a net rating of -16.1, which was the worst mark in the league among players who played at least 60 games. Powell was the Nets’ third pick of the night and came into the league after a one-off season with North Carolina, which didn’t feature anything that would lead your eyes.
Powell did bring a true defensive impact and world-class athleticism every night with North Carolina, which was there during his rookie season with Brooklyn – but it was truly inconsistent.
When Powell struggled, it was very tough seeing Brooklyn keep him on the court. Playing times does help to hone skills, but when simple rookie mistakes are occurring defensively and lackluster offensive production the question raises of how long of a leash should a young player be given while struggling? Powell averaged 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds – which came largely as defensive rebounds – and 1.4 assists through 63 games. He shot 40.2% from the field and under 30% from deep at 38%. The 20-year-old was great when called to the line, shooting just shy of 90% from the line, but took less than two attempts per-game.
On the court, Powell had a +/- of -447, which ranked 574th out of 582 qualified players this season. Powell was only in front of fellow Nets teammate Nic Claxton, who posted a -515 in 69 games, which ranks 580th.
Powell is yet to show signs of being that next level player that Brooklyn had in mind when drafting him, but a hard-working offseason and no longer being a rookie could lead very well to an upside 2026/27 season.
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