Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is stepping into a new role as he enters his sixth NBA season. Once a promising young talent overshadowed by stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the 25-year-old is now the longest-serving player on the team.
The last two years have seen the Nets undergo significant changes with major trades and a revolving roster. As they embark on a rebuilding phase, Claxton and fourth-year guard Cam Thomas now lead the team. Reflecting on his new veteran status, Claxton remarked on how quickly things have changed in Brooklyn. “It happens fast,” he noted. “It’s also humbling to have been here for almost six years. I don’t take that for granted, and I need to keep playing the right way and growing. I’m just glad to still be a part of it.”
In 2022, Claxton chose to invest in himself with a two-year, $17 million contract. After establishing himself as one of the top defensive centers in the league over the past couple of seasons, he secured a four-year, $97 million deal this summer. He shared that signing the new contract has lifted a significant burden from him. “It’s the first time I’m not worried about my contract or staying healthy,” Claxton explained. “A few years ago, I faced many injuries during my two-year deal. But in the last couple of seasons, I positioned myself for this new contract.” “Now, I just want to enjoy playing basketball like a kid again with this younger group. I’m eager to see how it unfolds. It’s a fresh system, so there’s a lot to learn. I’m ready for it.”
Claxton is set to take on a larger role for the rebuilding Nets this season. Brooklyn’s head coach, Jordi Fernandez, expressed his belief that the Georgia native could contend for Defensive Player of the Year. With Mikal Bridges traded, the team is in desperate need of shot creation, and they hope Claxton can help fill that gap while serving as a pivotal player in halfcourt situations. To do this, Claxton, who averaged 11.8 points and 2.1 assists per game last season, will need to enhance his playmaking and ability to create his own shots. The Nets are optimistic about his potential for growth. “Nic isn’t a young rookie anymore,” Fernandez said during Media Day. “In terms of a player’s prime, they say it’s around 25 to 26, so he’s right in that window. Our commitment to him was a top priority this summer. His role and leadership are going to shift. He needs to set an example for the younger players.”
“We all have individual goals as well. He should be a contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and we expect his playmaking to improve. We’ll look to utilize him with dribble handoffs and catches at the elbow. He excels at creating opportunities for others and applying pressure near the basket. We’re really excited about his role, as he will be a crucial part of our team.” With a contract nearing $100 million, Claxton understands the weight of those two-way responsibilities. However, he doesn’t feel any added pressure as he enters the first year of his new deal. “If there was a time for me to worry about anything, it was when I didn’t have a contract,” he stated. “Now that I do, I can just focus on playing, having fun, and continuing to develop my game.”
Asked Nic Claxton if he feels added expectations after signing a new contract:
“No… If there was a time for me to worry about anything it was when I didn’t have a contract. Now that I do have one, I can just go play, have fun, do what I was doing before, and keep trying to add… pic.twitter.com/sM3SFcpisn
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) October 21, 2024
After sitting out all four preseason games due to a hamstring injury, Claxton has returned to practice and appears ready to play in the season opener. The revamped Nets will kick off their 2024-25 season on Wednesday with an away game against the Atlanta Hawks.
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