Nets rookie Drake Powell will wear a new jersey number in the NBA

Former North Carolina forward Drake Powell will have a new look in the NBA after opting to wear a new jersey number next season with the Brooklyn Nets.

Powell donned No. 9 last season as a freshman with the Tar Heels after previously wearing No. 32 at Northwood High School in North Carolina. Despite No. 9 being available with the Nets, Powell ultimately chose No. 4, which was worn last year by Reece Beekman.

Though it isn’t exactly clear why Powell went with No. 4, the 22nd pick likely wanted a fresh start as he begins a new chapter in his basketball journey. He is set to become the 15th player in franchise history to wear it.

Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range in 37 games last season. He finished in double figures 10 times, including a season-high 18 points on Nov. 27 in a loss to Michigan State.

The 6-foot-6 forward was held out of summer league as a precaution because of a minor left knee injury sustained during the predraft process. He traveled with the team to Las Vegas and still took part in film sessions and walkthroughs despite being sidelined.

Powell is among a crowded draft class for the Nets, joining Egor Dёmin (eighth pick), Nolan Traoré (19th pick), Ben Saraf (26th pick) and Danny Wolf (27th pick). The Nets became the first team in history to select five players in the first round of the draft.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nets news: Drake Powell will wear a new jersey number in the NBA

Nets rookie Drake Powell will wear a new jersey number in the NBA

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