"For Powell, the No. 19 pick in the 2025 draft, it served as a reset. Across his first 30 appearances, the former Tar Heel averaged 6.4 points in 16.9 minutes per game while shooting 46.0% from the field and 32.4% from 3-point range. However, over his final 17 appearances before the assignment, Powell averaged 5.2 points in 19.1 minutes, and his efficiency dipped to 35.4% from the field and 20.9% from deep."
"Brooklyn's answer was to send him somewhere he could play through mistakes and re-find his touch without nightly NBA pressure, and there's precedent for this approach. Nolan Traoré struggled in the preseason and his early NBA minutes, then went down to Long Island where he had an impressive G League run. The French floor general came back to the big club and has since become the team's full-time starting point guard."
"Powell fits that idea in his own way. He's a player who needs to be pushed outside his comfort zone, and the G League does that. It forces him to raise a usage rate that's been consistently low and gives him the chance to build the confidence and skill set that translates when he's back in the NBA."
Drake Powell, the Nets' 19th overall pick in the 2025 draft, was sent to the G League on February 27 after experiencing a significant shooting slump. His efficiency declined from 46.0% field goal percentage and 32.4% from three-point range in his first 30 games to 35.4% and 20.9% respectively over his final 17 appearances. The G League assignment provides Powell with increased playing time and usage rate to rebuild his confidence and skill development without NBA pressure. This developmental approach mirrors the successful path taken by teammate Nolan Traoré, who struggled initially before excelling in the G League and returning as the team's starting point guard. Powell's recent performance shows promise, averaging 15.0 points over his last three games with a 21-point performance against Greensboro.
Read at New York Daily News
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