The Brooklyn Nets possess the services of one of the most coveted young big men in the NBA. Nic Claxton is preparing to enter his sixth year in the league and has done enough to earn massive favor with the Nets. Despite Claxton's stellar defensive play and his rapidly ascending interior game, he must answer three urgent questions early on during the 2024-25 NBA season.
1. Can Claxton stay consistent in the paint?
Nic Claxton can make some expansions to his game, specifically on the offensive side. But the first question he must immediately address for the Nets is if his paint play can stay consistent. Claxton has averaged 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds through his first few seasons in Brooklyn. He took promising steps forward during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, and he will need to maintain his rise during the upcoming season.
After averaging 12.6 points and 9.2 rebounds during his fourth year, Claxton held averages of 11.8 points and a career-high 9.9 rebounds during his 2023-24 campaign. To take the next step and truly become a top big, Claxton needs to average a double-double (yes, the extra 0.1 in his rebounding numbers will make a difference). The Nets believe he can continue to grow into a dominant interior force, as they rewarded him with a four-year, $100 million contract extension during the 2024 offseason.
Once Claxton establishes his dominance in the paint, his outside expansion will be the next step.
2. Will Claxton makes strides as a stretch big?
Claxton has mostly functioned as a rim-running, paint-protecting big throughout his tenure with the Nets. But he can also put the ball on the floor and make impressive slashes to the basket. Claxton will make himself even more valuable if he can stretch the floor and knock down mid-range shots and three-pointers.
The 6'11" big man certainly can make outside shots. Check out this video of him practicing threes during the 2023 offseason:
If Claxton is able to effectively space the floor and shoot near or over 35 percent on three-pointers next season, he will drastically boost the Nets' offense.
The final question Claxton must answer pertains to his bread and butter: defense.
3. Will Claxton finally earn an All-Defensive spot?
Claxton had a phenomenal defensive year during the 2022-23 season. He averaged a career-high 2.5 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. He gained consideration for an All-Defensive spot but lost out on the honor to other elite players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez, and Bam Adebayo.
Furthermore, Claxton has ranked top 10 in the NBA in stocks (steals plus blocks) over the last two seasons. He is bracing for another strong defensive showing during the 2024-25 season, but will he do enough to finally earn an All-Defensive honor, or even better, Defensive Player of the Year?
Nic Claxton has the opportunity to further solidify himself as a top center in the NBA during his sixth season. He will need to emphatically answer the questions that hold his key to greatness to further ascend.