Imagine being labeled as the least NBA-ready rookies on your team. That’s exactly where Drake Powell and Nolan Traore found themselves at the start of their Brooklyn Nets careers. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these two underdogs are now defying expectations, averaging over 20 minutes per game this month and proving their doubters wrong. Let’s dive into their transformative journeys—and trust me, this is the part most people miss.
Powell, a former University of North Carolina player, wasn’t exactly a standout in college. A lingering knee injury sidelined him for most of the preseason, and ESPN projected him as a second-round pick. Yet, the Nets took a leap of faith, selecting him at No. 22—a full 10 spots higher than expected. Traore, on the other hand, arrived in the NBA as the lightest player from the Combine, weighing just 175 pounds. His game seemed rushed, and turnovers piled up, leaving many questioning his readiness for the big leagues.
But here’s the controversial part: despite their rocky starts, both players are now thriving. Powell’s two-way potential, once hidden behind modest college stats, is shining through. His efficiency as a shooter (37.9% from three, 48.3% from the field) and his jaw-dropping athleticism—highlighted by his top vertical jump at the 2025 NBA Combine—are turning heads. In a recent loss to the Pelicans, he scored a career-high 16 points, including a clutch three that nearly sealed the deal. His defensive prowess is equally impressive, with steals becoming a regular part of his game.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández isn’t holding back his praise: ‘We believe he can be not just a good but a great two-way player.’ Bold words for the league’s 19th youngest player, but Powell’s blend of size, athleticism, and shooting ability makes him a perfect fit for the modern NBA.
Traore’s journey is equally compelling. Early on, he was a turnover machine, averaging 4.5 per game with the Long Island Nets—a rate that would lead the NBA. And this is the part most people miss: he’s turned chaos into control. By December, he was dominating the G League, averaging 22.2 points and eight assists while cutting his turnovers in half. His ability to manipulate defenders with sudden changes of pace has transformed his game. In a double-overtime loss to the Celtics, he became the youngest player in franchise history to score 20 points in a game—a testament to his rapid growth.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Fernández the real MVP of this story? His nurturing yet demanding approach has been pivotal. He doesn’t sugarcoat feedback, as seen when he publicly called out Powell for a lackluster performance. Yet, he also reminds his players of their potential, fostering an environment of accountability and growth. It’s a fine line, but Fernández walks it masterfully.
So, here’s the question for you: Are Powell and Traore just early bloomers, or are they the future stars the Nets have been waiting for? And how much credit does Fernández deserve for their turnaround? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
