Brooklyn Nets rookie Drake Powell took a significant step this week toward returning from a left knee injury that prevented him from playing in the NBA Summer League in July.
Nets general manager Sean Marks revealed that Powell would be limited to start training camp because of the injury sustained during the predraft process. Powell wasn’t able to participate in offseason 5-on-5 pick-up games and was held out of contact work in practice.
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The 22nd pick was cleared on Monday to begin participating in the contact portion of practice. He has now been a full participant in practice for three consecutive days, which is enabling him to learn the concepts and plays installed by coach Jordi Fernández.
“Now being in it, I think that’s helped me 100%,” Powell said, via Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire. “It’s not saying that I learned everything, there are still some things to learn as it’s different being on the sidelines and now being on the court, but just still taking it day-by-day. Most importantly, I have trust in myself.”
Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range last season at North Carolina. He is among a crowded draft class for the Nets, joining Egor Dёmin (eighth pick), Nolan Traoré (19th), Ben Saraf (26th) and Danny Wolf (27th).
The 20-year-old is projected to compete for rotational minutes behind the likes of Michael Porter Jr. and Ziaire Williams. He was highly touted entering the draft due to his scoring, athleticism and defensive ability, boasting a 7-foot wingspan.
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The Nets were hopeful that Powell could play in the preseason, although it is unclear if he’ll be available for their opener on Saturday against Hapoel Jerusalem. If he can’t suit up in that contest, the team then plays a pair of games against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 10-12 in China.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nets news: Drake Powell progressing toward return from knee injury