LAS VEGAS — Brooklyn Nets first-round pick Drake Powell is mired in an eye-opening offensive slump at the NBA Summer League. Through three games in Las Vegas, the 19-year-old is shooting just 28.6% from the field.
Powell, selected 19th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, has averaged 8.3 points per game. The numbers are a stark reality check for a player touted for his two-way potential.
In a 91-85 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Powell scored 9 points on 4-of-14 shooting. He missed all three of his three-point attempts. The game was a microcosm of the larger problem: an inability to create efficient offense against Summer League-level competition.
The Eye-Opening Numbers
| Metric | Powell (Summer League) | Average First-Round Pick (Summer League) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 8.3 | 14.1 |
| Field Goal % | 28.6% | 42.3% |
| Three-Point % | 14.3% (1-7) | 33.5% |
| Free Throw % | 75.0% | 78.1% |
His shooting percentages are among the lowest of any first-round pick in this year’s Summer League class. The offensive funk raises a critical question: Is this a temporary slump or a larger concern?
Why the Slump Matters
The Nets invested significant draft capital in Powell. They saw a versatile defender with a developing offensive game. Brooklyn’s front office, led by general manager Sean Marks, is in a rebuilding phase. Powell is a core piece of that timeline.
Fan and media reaction has shifted from optimism to early concern. Social media is buzzing with the “draft bust” label. However, scouting reports have always emphasized Powell’s defensive potential and intangibles—attributes that don’t show in the box score.
Diamond in the Rough?
There are reasons for optimism beyond the scoring slump. Powell has recorded 4.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His defensive instincts and 6-foot-8 wingspan are legitimate.
Historical context matters. Jaylen Brown shot 34.4% in his 2016 Summer League. Paul George averaged 11.5 points on 36.7% shooting in 2010. Summer League slumps don’t define careers.
The Nets’ coaching staff is preaching patience. “He’s pressing,” one team source told the New York Post. “The game will slow down for him.”
Draft Bust or Growing Pains?
Scouting reports praised Powell’s basketball IQ and mid-range game. The disconnect lies in his inability to adjust to physical play and NBA pace. Comparable players who struggled early include De’Andre Hunter and Jaden McDaniels, both of whom developed into quality starters.
The verdict is far from in. Powell has three remaining Summer League games to show signs of adjustment. What to watch for: improved shot selection, assertiveness in transition, and defensive consistency.
For Nets fans, the message is clear: patience, not panic. A diamond in the rough requires time to cut.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Drake Powell’s shooting percentage in Summer League?
- A: Drake Powell is shooting just 28.6% from the field and 14.3% from three-point range through three Summer League games.
- Q: Is Drake Powell considered a draft bust?
- A: While early Summer League numbers are concerning, it’s too soon to label him a bust. Scouts still value his two-way potential and defensive versatility.
Extended Reading
Sources: New York Post, ClutchPoints, RotoWire. All data as of July 2026 Summer League.