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Drake Powell Hits Career High in Second Straight Start for Nets

Coach Jordi Fernández is using starting looks to evaluate the rookie during Brooklyn's rotation shakeup.

Overview

  • Powell scored 16 points with five rebounds and two assists on 6-of-10 shooting in a 116-113 loss to the Pelicans on Jan. 14.
  • The 22nd pick has started three games and is averaging 11.3 points in 25.0 minutes in those starts compared with 5.8 points in 17.8 minutes off the bench.
  • Fernández said the Nets have high expectations for Powell and that the starts are an evaluation opportunity with no guarantees.
  • Brooklyn has dropped five straight and the coach is weighing further rotation changes after citing issues with rebounding, ball pressure and consistent effort.
  • Powell, a North Carolina product whose rights were acquired from the Hawks, missed early time with an opening-night ankle injury and is averaging 6.4 points on 47.1% shooting this season.