Powell, Brooklyn's 19th pick in 2025, remains sidelined by left knee tendinopathy as the Nets ease him back into contact. He sat out Saturday’s preseason tilt versus Hapoel Jerusalem, with one day of contact noted since his return to camp. Brooklyn plans a cautious ramp-up, eyeing a mid-October return in Macao against Phoenix, and will shape rotations ahead of the Oct. 22 opener at Charlotte. The Nets’ early decisions will hinge on Powell’s health and progress in practice.

Nets preseason vibes: a fresh, youth-forward energy took over Potomac Playground as Brooklyn welcomed all five rookies alongside Terance Mann and Michael Porter Jr. Coogi uniforms returned with fanfare, and the event underscored a community-first rebuild. Attendance felt down from last year, but the atmosphere suggested excitement around the Flatbush Five and a hopeful 2025-26 trajectory.

The day highlighted team cohesion, autograph moments, and a roster still defining roles. International buzz around Cui Yongxi and Ben Simmons added global flavor, while limited practice for Dëmin and Powell muted on-court drama. Brooklyn signaled a transition with style and optimism, not perfection.