Nets coach Jordi Fernandez suggested he might consider modifying the rotation after the team faced a five-game losing streak in New Orleans.
A notable adjustment during this week’s Brooklyn trip was the inclusion of rookie Drake Powell in the starting lineup for two consecutive games.
Powell, selected 22nd overall, is the third of the Nets’ record-breaking five first-round picks in the 2025 draft. In his two starts, he scored 26 points across 49 minutes, registering 16 points, five rebounds, and two three-pointers in the 116-113 loss to the Pelicans.
Fernandez expressed optimism about Powell’s potential, saying, “We have high expectations for him. We believe he’s a player who can grow and perform well on both ends of the floor. Now it’s about seeing how he handles these situations.” He added, “I’m pleased with his progress. But that doesn’t guarantee he will stay in the lineup indefinitely. If he keeps working hard, we want to see him develop like all players. The opportunity is there; he needs to seize it.”
In the upcoming game, North Carolina’s player will fill in the backcourt for Brooklyn, as No. 8 overall pick Egor Demin is sidelined due to injury management.
At 20, Powell initially struggled with an ankle injury during the season opener in October and missed the following four games. In 25 games off the bench, he averaged 5.8 points over 17.8 minutes, and as a starter, his average shot up to 11.3 points in 25.0 minutes, including his first NBA start against the Rockets on January 1.
Post-game, Powell mentioned, “I just aim to stay aggressive on both ends. That’s what Jordi emphasized before the game. I’ve started to trust myself and my teammates more.” He reflected on the support he has at home, which helps him maintain focus, underscoring, “At the end of the day, it’s just basketball.”
Currently, Powell’s three-point shooting sits at 31.3 percent, but he noted his defensive game has improved as he committed only two personal fouls in his last two outings. “It’s definitely different from college. I’m learning to use my hands more. I’m committed to evolving into a good defender in this league,” Powell said. “The more games I watch and play, the more I grow.”
Demin has started the most games among Nets rookies with 27, followed by Ben Saraf with five, and both Powell and Danny Wolf with three starts each.
French guard Nolan Traore has yet to make his mark, sitting on the bench for all 18 games leading up to the home match against the Bulls, although he managed to score five points in 19 minutes during the game against New Orleans.
Veteran guard Terrence Mann transitioned to a backup role Wednesday night, and Fernandez hinted at potential further changes in the rotation. The Nets, currently 11-27, have allowed 33 second-chance points in their latest loss, marking eight defeats out of nine games after a 7-3 run in December.
Fernandez noted, “I know our players are committed to doing the right things. But right now, our focus isn’t there. I need to help them improve, which may require different approaches. I’m aiming to find ten players for rotation who are passionate about rebounding and maintaining defensive pressure.” He emphasized that while mistakes are acceptable, “the priority is intention and effort. I believe in our group; they’re always responding and working. I trust my coaching staff—they consistently bring back positive energy and solutions.”
