Sean Marks might have raised some eyebrows earlier this draft, but with the selection of Drake Powell at No. 22, he has made a move that could pay off big for the Brooklyn Nets. Powell is arguably the most athletic sleeper in this year’s class, and Brooklyn’s front office just quietly added another dynamic guard to their growing backcourt.
Powell, a 19-year-old from North Carolina, is not flashy on the stat sheet as he only averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in his freshman season, but his physical gifts are what set him apart from the other prospects. At just over 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan and a max vertical leap of 43 inches, Powell is an elite athlete whose speed and length give him a rare defensive versatility.
Defense is where Powell shines.
His quickness allows him to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and close out on shooters. He also averaged nearly a block per game, an impressive number for a wing, showing he can protect the rim at times of need. This kind of defensive ability is exactly what the Nets need as they try to build a tough, switchable lineup.
Offensively, Powell is still raw.
His shooting showed promise, hitting nearly 38% from three, but his handle and scoring aggression need work. He is not yet a primary scorer but has shown flashes as a playmaker and excels in transition with his explosive athleticism. Also he would not need to be a primary scoring option when the Nets already have a guy like Cam Thomas who can absolutely fill up the bucket.
By drafting Powell, Marks is continuing to clearly bet on upside. He is a player with a high ceiling who can grow into a two-way weapon. It is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for a Nets team that is hungry for athleticism and defensive intensity in the backcourt.