From the very instant Drake Powell stepped foot on campus as a freshman last summer, it was crystal clear that he was built for the pros.
Powell’s exceptional NBA Combine measurements and impressive pre-draft workouts only further confirm the very bright NBA career ahead of him.
Friday afternoon, the former Tar Heel was featured by Swish Cultures during his CAA Pro Day workout in front of various NBA teams.
For context, CAA Basketball is one of the most prestigious agencies in professional basketball development. Their Pro Day serves as a platform to showcase young athletes â€" like Powell â€" in front of NBA teams and personnel. CAA Basketball provides an excellent opportunity for athletes to improve their stock before draft night.
One of the most apparent aspects of Powell’s game is his versatility. Possessing a widespread skillset and being an adaptable player are keys to NBA success. And Powell checks so many boxes that NBA front offices are looking for.
He’s a 6-foot-7 agile wing with tremendous two-way potential. As a lockdown defender who moves his feet well, has quick hands, and boasts a monstrous 7-foot wingspan, Powell can guard positions 1-4. Powell also showed glimpses of his potential on the offensive end during his time at Chapel Hill. His athleticism, finishing ability at the rim, smooth midrange turnaround jumper, and efficient three-point shooting all bode well for NBA development.
Oh yeah, and Powell also finished first in the NBA Combine max vertical leap (43 inches), as well as first in the standing vertical leap (37.5 inches). Powell's impressive numbers at the top of those lists are sure to open plenty of eyes in NBA front offices. He’s got some serious spring.
Powell’s stats at North Carolina might not jump off the page. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting an efficient 48% from the field and 38% from three. But Powell does so much more than what shows up in the box score. He does all the little things that contribute to winning. Powell picks up the opponent’s best player every night, making their life miserable. He dives on the floor for loose balls, makes key deflections, and gets plenty of hockey assists. He makes the smart, high-IQ plays. Powell’s low usage rate shouldn’t be taken out of context, speaking more to the fact that he faced the limitations of an overcrowded backcourt.
Powell is more than just a niche “three-and-d†type player. He’s the full package, and what we’ve seen from his game so far is just the tip of the iceberg. Powell has the potential and the work ethic needed to carve out a major role on an NBA team. The fact that he didn’t play in the scrimmages at the NBA Combine most likely indicates that Powell and his camp feel confident in him being a first-round draft pick. Maybe he’s even gotten a guarantee from a team that he’s worked out for.