Of the Nets’ record haul of five first-round picks, Drake Powell was called the most raw offensively and the biggest reach.

Less than a month into the season, though, Powell — arguably the best pure athlete in the entire 2025 draft class — has looked like one of the Nets’ brightest spots.

Powell was set back by injuries, spraining his ankle during his Opening Night debut, then again just minutes into his Nov. 2 return. But now, thrust into the rotation for the past two games, the 20-year-old Powell’s comfort on the ball has surprised doubters and shocked many — except for a Nets team that gambled on him in the draft, that is.

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “He’s playing extremely hard, and that’s how I want all our players to play. And it’s almost to the point that you need to ask for the sub.