Rookie Drake Powell Suffers Another Setback in Brief Return for Nets

Brooklyn’s highly touted rookie, Drake Powell, endured another tough break Sunday night. After missing four games due to a right ankle sprain suffered in the season opener, the 19-year-old finally rejoined the Nets’ rotation against the Philadelphia 76ers. But the excitement surrounding his return quickly faded—just four minutes into the game, Powell went down again, injuring the same ankle.

The incident occurred on a non-contact play, halting his brief stint on the court. Powell was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the contest as Brooklyn’s training staff examined the severity of the injury.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed both disappointment and empathy after the game, acknowledging the cruel nature of Powell’s luck. “It’s bad luck when you step on somebody,” Fernandez said. “Ankles are usually soft tissue injuries—you can’t control that. I feel for the kid. He’ll be back soon because he’s a worker and he’s great.”

Powell’s situation is particularly frustrating given his already rocky start to professional basketball. The rookie missed most of the offseason due to left knee tendinopathy and had only recently returned to full participation.

1. Early Glimpses of Talent and Potential

Despite limited appearances, Powell has given the Nets glimpses of his athletic promise and defensive potential. In his brief showing against the 76ers, he provided an immediate spark—racing coast-to-coast for a transition layup and tightening the team’s defensive rotations. His energy and on-ball pressure were exactly what Fernandez hoped to inject into a Brooklyn defense that has struggled early in the season. “You bring in Drake, who is a good defender and is gonna be a high-level defender,” Fernandez explained. “We keep developing these guys, but unfortunately, he couldn’t play longer. That was the thought process—to try to help with the lineups.” Powell’s ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor has impressed coaches and teammates alike. Even in brief spurts, his hustle and defensive instincts have stood out—a testament to his collegiate reputation as one of the nation’s elite perimeter defenders. But every flash of potential has been interrupted by injury setbacks, leaving the Nets and Powell waiting for a healthy stretch that allows the rookie to establish rhythm and confidence.

2. The Making of a Two-Way Prospect

Powell entered the league as a standout from North Carolina, where he quickly earned recognition as one of college basketball’s most complete wing defenders. During his lone collegiate season, he shot 38 percent from three-point range while guarding top assignments nightly. Scouts praised his mix of athleticism, length, and competitiveness—traits that made him a late first-round target for Brooklyn, which selected him 22nd overall in June’s draft. The Nets envisioned Powell as a long-term 3-and-D contributor capable of complementing their core. His athleticism fits the modern NBA wing mold: switchable on defense, capable of finishing in transition, and developing as a spot-up shooter. However, consistent health has remained the key obstacle to unlocking his potential. Brooklyn’s medical and coaching staff have been cautious with his recovery timeline, especially given his knee issues earlier in the year. This latest setback will likely extend his adjustment period, forcing the Nets to once again reshuffle their second-unit rotations.

3. Brooklyn’s Depth Tested Again

With Powell sidelined indefinitely, the Nets will turn to their bench for reinforcements on the wing. Ziaire Williams and Jalen Wilson are expected to absorb additional minutes as Fernandez continues to experiment with combinations that can improve Brooklyn’s defensive performance. Both Williams and Wilson have shown flashes of effectiveness, but neither brings the same defensive upside or athletic burst that Powell offers when healthy. For a team striving to find consistency and toughness on the perimeter, Powell’s absence leaves a noticeable gap. Brooklyn’s early season has already been defined by instability and lineup changes, and the loss of their rookie further complicates the search for cohesion. Still, Fernandez expressed confidence that Powell’s work ethic will eventually pay off. “He’s a worker,” the coach said. “He’ll be back soon.” For now, the Nets must navigate without one of their most promising young players—hoping his next return lasts longer than a few minutes.