As the losses pile up for the Nets — and despite Jordi Fernández’s best efforts, they undoubtedly will — the organization can only hope that at least some of their current young players become key parts of a more promising future.
That’s why the way Drake Powell has played for the past two-plus weeks, after coming back from a sprained ankle, has been a bright spot in what will be a long season in Brooklyn.
The team’s third pick in the past draft — coming by way of a draft-rights trade with the Hawks — played arguably the best game of his young NBA career in Monday’s loss to the Knicks.
In fact, Powell’s two best showings so far have come against the crosstown rivals, each one ending in defeat.
On Monday, he tied his career high with 15 points and added four assists and a steal.
Perhaps No. 8 pick Egor Dëmin will end up having the better career at point guard, or Nolan Traore, the 19th pick, will emerge from the G-League and develop into something as a Net.
Maybe Ben Saraf or Danny Wolf, picks No. 26 and 27, will also turn into something.
But for now, Powell, selected No. 22 after one season at North Carolina, where he impressed with his defense and showed raw potential on offense — plus plenty of athleticism — has most looked the part of an NBA player.
And Fernández is confident there’s more on both sides of the game for the 6-foot-6 20-year-old.
“As we go, he’s gonna continue to understand the league [and] the schemes, especially defensively,” Fernández said. “I consider him a very, very good defender with a really high ceiling defensively and I’m gonna keep challenging him to be better.”
Where there figures to be the most growth, though, is on offense, which was to be expected after his lone season at Chapel Hill.
Nets guard Drake Powell (4) is guarded by New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and guard Tyler Kolek (13). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Against the Knicks, he hit 5-of-10 shots from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range.
“He’s got to keep trusting his shot,’’ Fernández said. “He’s got to be comfortable shooting a little bit faster. That just comes with time and work. I think he’ll be OK.”
On top of the numbers, Fernández seemed most pleased with Powell’s style of play.
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“I’m happy with how he looked out there,” Fernández said. “He looked free out there, having fun [and] playing really hard. We’ve got to continue taking really positive steps with him.”
Though Powell has been at his best when facing the Knicks, he’s been solid consistently.
Over his past nine games since returning from the ankle injury, he’s played over 21 minutes per game and averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 assists, 2.2 rebounds and a steal.
“I’m out there playing basketball, trying to be aggressive and trust myself, my teammates and coaches,” Powell said. “Versatility is a big thing for me and I do my best to make the right basketball play.”
And he credited assistant coach Corey Vincent, part of the team’s player development staff, with aiding his adjustment to the league.
“We have multiple film meetings and they’re very important to me,” Powell said. “I want to continue to buy into those. I think that will help translate onto the court.”
Whether that translates into winning eventually is up to Powell, his other young teammates and — most likely — some players who aren’t in Brooklyn yet.