The Brooklyn Nets made another major move shortly after trading star Mikail Bridges to the cross-town New York Knicks. Free agent center Nic Claxton agreed to terms to remain in Brooklyn on a four-year $100 million dollar deal. As the Nets reshape their roster, the re-signing of the fifth-year big man provides key clues to what the team is looking to build in the future.
Nic Claxton’s path to his big payday with the Brooklyn Nets
The first pick of the second round of the 2019 draft, the former University of Georgia product took on a slow but steady development trajectory in the NBA. Coming out of college some touted his guard-like skills in a 6-11 body due to some huge growth spurts that forced him from guard to center.
On the offensive end, that guard-like ability has not come to fruition. Instead, Claxton has settled into a role as a modern, rim-running center who does most of his damage as a lob threat and in the pick-and-roll. However, as a defender, his guard background shines.
On that end of the floor, he’s a switchable defender capable of locking up much smaller players on the perimeter with ease, while also having the length to serve as a true rim protector. As a defensive player, he’s one of the most unique in the league and a true difference-maker, with his only weakness coming against stronger, skilled centers who can easily dispatch his wiry 215-pound frame.
As a starter the last two seasons, Claxton has averaged nearly a double-double both years. During the 2022-2023 season, he put up 12.6 points per game with 9.2 rebounds per game, while leading the league in field goal percentage at .705. Last season, he posted nearly identical numbers with 11.8 points per game and 9.9 rebounds per game.
If he can ever develop an outside shot, he could be a dangerous weapon, but even if he doesn’t his defensive versatility and rim-running prowess make him a valuable piece.
The Nets view Claxton as part of their future
With the team looking to purge veterans and Claxton being an attractive player for contenders, one may have thought that a sign and trade to recoup assets may have been in play. Instead, this deal keeps Claxton in Brooklyn through his age-28 season, clearly signaling that the front office believes he will be part of the next contending team.
Switching from a drop-style defense to more of a man-switching scheme will accentuate Claxton’s skills on that end of the floor even more.
He may never be a star, but he has the potential to be a key role player on a contending team and at only 25 years old has the potential to keep developing. The Nets were wise to keep him in the fold as they look to rebuild again.
