The Brooklyn Nets opened their 2024-25 NBA preseason debut against the Los Angeles Clippers with a few players out of their lineup. Most notably, starting center Nic Claxton was ruled out of the matchup with hamstring tightness. The ruling caused concern amongst some fans, given how important Claxton is to Brooklyn's two-way strategy. However, he is on a promising recovery path.
The Nets are being cautious with Claxton's hamstring ailment, but it does not appear to be too serious. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said Brooklyn is aiming for Claxton to be ready for the team's Oct. 23 regular season opener, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints reports. It has not yet been determined if Claxton will play in any of Brooklyn's remaining preseason games, Slater added.
Nic Claxton has seen tremendous growth since his arrival to the borough in 2019. His paint protection is among the best in the league, and Jordi Fernandez believes the 6'11" center could finally win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Yet, the most important thing for Claxton is staying healthy. Hopefully, he can continue to have a safe and efficient recovery.
Claxton is ready for a larger leadership role with the Nets
As hard as it is to believe, Nic Claxton will be the longest-tenured Nets player going into the 2024-25 season. He has had the opportunity to play with several standout teammates, some of whom will be Hall of Famers. The list includes Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and even stout backup guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Durant, Irving, and Dinwiddie have praised Claxton and predicted a bright future for the center.
The Nets recognized Claxton's growth with a four-year, $100 million contract extension during the 20204 offseason. Claxton wants to keep improving but emphasized the importance of growing as a leader and mentor for Brooklyn's younger players, just as others have done for him.
"[Previous Nets veterans' confidence in me], it means a lot. Especially younger in my career, I needed that. I needed to know those veterans believed in me. They instilled confidence in me... especially through my injuries and everything I've been through. I'm just looking forward to paying that same homage to younger guys on our team," Claxton said on Sep. 30 on Media Day, per YES Network.
Claxton will have plenty of opportunities on and off the court to help the young Nets squad grow their confidence and chemistry with each other during this exciting period.