Derek Powell gives Nets a glimpse into their future – Basketball Insider
Highlights from a tough season
The losses continue to pile up for the Brooklyn Nets, and Jordy Fernandez knows this season will test everyone. Still, the team can take solace in the rapid improvement of rookie Derek Powell. Powell has performed well in two weeks since returning from a sprained ankle, showing why the organization believes he can be a core player.
The No. 22 pick, acquired in a trade with Atlanta, had one of his best NBA games on Monday against the Knicks. He scored a career-high 15 points and contributed 4 assists and 1 steal. Both of his top performances came against the Knicks, although each game ended in defeat.
Powell’s overall growth
Brooklyn drafted several young talents, including Egor Dëmin at No. 8, Nolan Traore at No. 19, and late first-round picks Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. Any of these may appear. For now, though, Powell looks to be the most ready for NBA action.
The 6-foot-6 guard spent one season at North Carolina, where he impressed with his defensive instincts and obvious athleticism. Fernandez believes there is more to come. “He will continue to learn about the league as we move forward [and] “I think he’s a very, very good defender with a very high defensive ceiling and I’m going to continue to challenge him to get better,” Fernandez said.
His biggest room for growth lies in offense. That’s what he expected after spending a year in Chapel Hill. Against the Knicks, he shot 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range. “He has to continue to trust his shot,” Fernandez said. “He has to adapt to faster shots.”
Make a winning performance
Beyond the statistics, Fernandez also praised Powell’s energy. “I’m happy with the way he looks out there,” he said. “He seemed free and having a lot of fun [and] Play really hard. “
After returning from injury, Powell averaged more than 21 minutes per game in 9 games, scoring 8.0 points, 2.3 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1 steal. He has remained steady and confident. “I go out there and play basketball and try to be aggressive and believe in myself, my teammates and my coaches,” Powell said. “Versatility is important to me.”
He also credited assistant coach Corey Vincent for helping him adjust through detailed film drills.
Whether Powell’s growth leads to future wins will depend on him, the rest of Brooklyn’s young core, and the incoming additions. Currently, the Nets can see the outlines of a promising player taking shape.
