The Brooklyn Nets have multiple player development projects on their hands early on in the 2024-25 season. One of the most intriguing young players with seemingly high upside is second-year forward Noah Clowney.
Clowney joined the Nets in 2023 as the team's 21st overall pick. He spent a considerable amount of time with Brooklyn's G League affiliate Long Island Nets during his rookie year. However, Clowney showed promise in 23 regular season games with Brooklyn, averaging 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks on a 36.1 three-point shooting clip.
Clowney further caught Brooklyn's eye with a rare performance against the Toronto Raptors on April 11. He totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, and a highly impressive seven blocks. He was one block away from tying the Nets' franchise record for most blocks in a game by a rookie. Thus, Clowney had slightly higher expectations going into 2024-25, but so far, he has not quite lived up to them.
1. Clowney hasn't seen much improvement from his rookie season
Through his first 11 games of the 2024-25 campaign, Noah Clowney averages 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks on 34.1 percent three-point shooting. These are not bad numbers, but given Clowney's potential, they leave more to be desired.
During his rookie season, Clowney proved that he can be an elite rim protector and has been playing alongside a great example in Nic Claxton. Therefore, his block numbers should theoretically be higher. It is not just Clowney's defensive numbers early on that are alarming. His rebounding and scoring have not taken significant jumps either.
Clowney's 3.3 boards mark is 0.2 lower than his rookie year average, and while his points per game are up, his offense has not been as reliable as some thought it would be early on in his second year. To his credit though, he has substantially improved his three-point attempts, going from 1.4 in 2023-24 to 4.0 in 2024-25. His floor-spacing is a great asset, and over time, his three-point percentage should climb.
Clowney has the chance to solidify himself as a cornerstone frontcourt member of the Nets and to keep doing so, he simply needs more reps.
2. Clowney's early role isn't big enough
Noah Clowney is essentially playing the same amount of minutes he was during his rookie year (16.1 in 2023-24 compared to 16.2 in 2024-25). For a player who could have some of the highest potential on the team, the Nets must find a greater role for him and quite simply, play him more minutes.
If Clowney played more, he might see greater statistical improvement on both sides of the ball. Nic Claxton's injury should open more opportunities for the second-year forward down the stretch of November.
Surely, with time and continued effort, Clowney can take a major jump and become one of the most covetted frontcourt forces in the NBA.