The Nets have used the No. 22 overall pick to select North Carolina wing Drake Powell.
While the Hawks officially made the pick, the selection is being sent to Brooklyn as part of the three-team Kristaps Porzingis deal.
Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists for UNC last season on .483/.379/.648 shooting. At 6’6″ with a 7’0″ wingspan and elite athleticism, Powell brings a hard-nosed defensive mindset that the Nets could use in their rotation. He averaged 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks for the Tar Heels and should be able to defend multiple positions at the next level.
Despite the solid shooting numbers, Powell’s offense is expected to be a bit of a project, but after taking Egor Demin and Nolan Traore with earlier picks, he should be able to find ways to contribute as a cutter and open-court athlete early on.
The Nets are remaking their roster on the fly during the 2025 draft, and with Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson, Maxwell Lewis, and Tyrese Martin all on non-guaranteed deals or team options, Powell has a chance to carve out a rotation spot for himself, depending on what the Brooklyn decides to do with its other players.
Ok Hawks let’s get it, Liam McNeeley, Nique Clifford, Asa Newell… any of these 3 guys would be perfect… Jase Richardson would be nice be not as perfect
This pick seems a little fringy at 22… tho I can him turning into a rotation wing eventually.
Meanwhile, are the Nets going to add any length…??
I love this pick and will be a great defensive player in the NBA.