After the NCAA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline on Wednesday, May 28, at 11:59 p.m., a wave of talented young hoopers withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft, opting to return to college.
As Carolina Nation knows, former Tar Heel Drake Powell was not among that group of athletes returning to college, instead pursuing his life-long dream of playing in the NBA. Naturally, with a handful of talented prospects electing to continue their college careers, Powell’s draft stock has greatly benefited.
Before the NCAA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline, Powell received projections ranging from the late first round to the early second round, with the overwhelming majority predicting a second-round selection. However, there has been plenty of shuffling in NBA mock drafts since then. With names like Yaxel Lendeborg, Boogie Fland, Tahaad Pettiford, Alex Condon, and Labaron Philon, among others, opting to return to college, there’s a serious chance for Powell to fly up the draft board.
And to Powell’s credit, his NBA Combine measurables were off the charts, and he’s had some very impressive NBA workouts. So, Powell has also increased his draft stock through his talent and hard work. He’s made for the pros.
Here’s a look at Powell’s projected draft stock by various sites after the early entry deadline, beginning with his most favorable prediction and descending from there:
Yahoo Sports — No. 12, Chicago Bulls
Powell to the Bulls would thrill almost every UNC fan if it came to fruition. First off, Kevin O’Connor having Powell land in the lottery is the highest we’ve seen him projected. Second of all, the situation is a good one. Sure, Powell might have to compete with the likes of Ayo Dosunmu or Matas Buzelis for playing time. But the Bulls are a young, rebuilding, fringe-playoff team with plenty of opportunities for a talented rookie. And finally, it would be every UNC fan’s dream to see Powell team up with fellow Tar Heel — and budding star — Coby White.
Oh yeah, and one of the player comparisons O’Connor gave Powell was to stud wing Mikal Bridges. Not too shabby.
Sports Illustrated — No. 18, Washington Wizards
This is an intriguing projection from the Draft Digest Staff at Sports Illustrated. Now for one, Powell would have no shortage of opportunities in Washington. The Wizards struggled tremendously last season, finishing with a brutal 18-64 record. But while Powell would have opportunities, the team is a mess quite frankly. Not to mention, there’s a bit of a logjam in the Washington guard and wing rotation, which could make it harder for Powell to find his rhythm. Overall, UNC fans would still be thrilled to see Powell drafted top 20, but Washington might not be the best place for him to flourish.
USA Today — No. 20, Miami Heat
This is a fun one. USA Today actually had Meta AI simulate this mock draft, and Powell landed in Miami. Powell’s game meshes well with Miami’s playstyle. Hustle, grit, toughness — Powell would fit right in. He’d have a chance to help elevate this good Heat defense into an outstanding one. Powell would learn from rising star Tyler Herro, veteran wing Andrew Wiggins, stud defensive stopper Bam Adebayo and perimeter defensive specialist Davion Mitchell.
On3 Sports and Bleacher Report — No. 27, Brooklyn Nets
Both On3 and Bleacher Report have Powell going to the Nets in their post-withdrawal deadline mock drafts. This is a great hypothetical landing spot for Powell. Most importantly, the Nets are in a big rebuild, so Powell would have all the opportunities in the world to prove himself and earn some legit playing time as a rookie. Also, Powell playing alongside former Tar Heels Cam Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe would make for a full-circle moment. The Nets — who desperately need more offensive firepower plus a defensive backbone — would benefit from Powell’s two-way potential.
Bonus
In NBA Draft Room’s NBA Draft Superlatives, Powell was one of the players named most likely to win a dunk contest. Powell joined lottery-pick locks Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe for this superlative. This just reinforces Powell’s freak athleticism, showcased by his Combine-best 43-inch max vertical and 37.5-inch standing vertical.
Powell keeps on impressing. He significantly raised his draft stock in just a matter of weeks. It’s safe to say that this Tar Heel has a very bright NBA future ahead of him.