Nic Claxton is a Monster on Defense
Good news for Brooklyn Nets fans, Nic Claxton has become a staple for the Brooklyn Nets. If you have caught any of the Nets games at Hibernia Bar, not only did you have a great time, but you have seen how much this young player has grown. We’re seeing Claxton averaging almost a double-double going into NBA Playoffs, and we’re excited about what’s to come.
Claxton has always relied on his defensive skills. Coming out of college at the University of Georgia he used his defensive skills as a selling point to market himself to teams potentially interested in him.
The Nets drafted Claxton in 2019 with the 31st overall pick. In his first couple of seasons, he used his defensive aptitude once again to get himself playing time. He only played in 15 games his first season due to injury but made nice progress in year two.
The third year in the NBA was a big jump for Claxton. He started 19 of the 47 games he played in and played for more than 20 minutes per game. During the 2021-2022 season, he averaged more than one block and eight points per game, but the best was yet to come.
This season, Claxton has started every game he has played in and is averaging almost a double-double with two and a half blocks and almost a steal per game. The Nets’ investment in him is paying off.
Clax Attack
Nic Claxton couldn’t rely on his defensive skills alone forever if he was going to make it in the NBA. As the son of a former player, he knew that it could get his foot in the door but it wouldn’t keep him there.
He has done all of the right things. He has gained weight and improved his fitness. He has put in the time and worked with the right professionals. Most of all he fixed his worst flaw: his shooting. His free throw percentage continues to improve and this season he has put up an average of more than 12 points per game.
Most importantly, Nic Claxton himself has changed. A year ago, he was getting bullied by the more prominent bigs in the game like Joel Embid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, there is no bullying Clax. He is standing toe to toe with those guys and let’s not forget that Claxton is averaging almost a double-double going into the NBA Playoffs. It’s been a great season watching the Brooklyn Nets finally heat up, and we’re here for the finale.
Nic Claxton’s Future with the Nets
The Nets are definitely in a rebuild mode after the departure of big-name players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant in the last couple of seasons. Considering one of the biggest changes was the firing of Head Coach Steve Nash in favor of Jacque Vaughn, which has been very beneficial for Nic Claxton, and he won’t become a free agent until 2024, we all hope he stays with the Nets.
However, other teams have been showing a serious interest in the South Carolina native. The Toronto Raptors have made intriguing offers to the Nets for Nic Claxton each of the last two years right before the trade deadline. The Boston Celtics are also rumored to have a keen interest in him as well.
Last year, he was a big part of the team’s playoff games, averaging more than one block, two steals, and 10 points per game. If the team hopes to do anything in the playoffs this year, a healthy Claxton is absolutely necessary.
Watch the NBA Playoffs at Hibernia Bar
Don’t miss a minute of this year’s NBA Playoffs. Catch all of your favorite NBA games at Hibernia Bar. And definitely do not miss all of your favorite NBA Playoff teams and players, including Nic Claxton and the Nets, starting on April 15, 2023.