Drake Powell's Defense is Turning Heads in Brooklyn

"Coming out of UNC after a freshman season where he displayed all the traits needed to become an elite NBA-level defender, rookie Drake Powell brought plenty of upside and intrigue to the Brooklyn Nets. His offensive game was, and still is, a project, but the impact he's already made on the defensive end is blatant-and his head coach is noticing. Following Brooklyn's first win at the Barclays Center of the 2025-26 campaign, a 116-103 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Head Coach Jordi Fernandez praised the 20-year-old's knack for making the plays that don't show up on a stat sheet."

""His line - the four assists to one turnover - is huge. But like I said, to me, it was, he embraces being a high-level defender and I think today he did it," Fernandez told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. "He picks it up full court. He can stay in front of the ball. I think he got deflections.""

"Powell recorded double-digits in the scoring column for just the third time in his young career, but as Fernandez pointed out, the 22nd-overall pick in June's draft's value extends beyond twos and threes, and he proved just that after being assigned to fellow 2025 draftee and former college rival, Kon Knueppel. The two squared off multiple times in each player's lone season at their respective schools, but Powell spoke to the difference taking on Knueppel in the NBA rather than at Chapel Hill or on Coach K Court."

Drake Powell, a rookie from UNC and the 22nd overall pick, has made a notable defensive impact for the Brooklyn Nets. He displayed full-court pressure, the ability to stay in front of ball-handlers, and produced deflections while maintaining a four-assist to one-turnover line. Powell reached double-digit scoring for only the third time in his career but provided value beyond scoring by guarding Kon Knueppel and limiting him to just six second-half points after a 12-point first quarter. Coaches praised Powell's embrace of high-level defense even as his offensive development continues.

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