The Brooklyn Nets will have no shortage of promising young talent during the 2024-25 season. Brooklyn is focusing on developing in-house prospects to be potential pieces of their core after their blockbuster Mikal Bridges trade. One highly-touted player is rising second-year forward Noah Clowney.
Clowney joined the Nets in 2023 after the team selected him with their 21st pick in the draft. He spent most of his time with G League affiliate Long Island Nets during the regular season but put his talent on display in a stint with Brooklyn late in the year.
During the Nets' 106-102 April 11. Toronto Raptors win, Clowney amassed 10 points, seven rebounds, and an incredible seven blocks. He was one swat away from tying the Nets' franchise record for most blocks in a game by a rookie, Brian Lewis of the New York Post noted.
Fans and analysts are expecting Clowney to make a big jump with Brooklyn during the 2024-25 campaign, but will he make significant improvements?
Why Noah Clowney will take the next step for the Nets in 2024-25
As mentioned, Clowney spent most of his time with the Long Island Nets during his rookie year. But now that the Nets are entering a full rebuild, the young forward should have more opportunities on the floor. Thus, he will have a chance to up his production and work on different facets of his game.
Outside of his exceptional shot-blocking ability, one of Clowney's most exciting attributes is his three-point shooting, The former Alabama standout shot 33.9 percent from range in 19 appearances with Long Island and rose to 36.7 percent with Brooklyn in 23 games. If Clowney can take and make more three-point shots during his second year with the Nets, he will become an even more valuable offensive piece.
Threes are not all Clowney has the chance to excel at. He can put the ball on the floor and score from the midrange as well. Although, with Nic Claxton beside him and Ben Simmons healthy again, he could see more focus on stretching the floor. Check out a brief clip of one of Clowney's best games with the Nets during the 2023-24 season, where he put his skills on full display:
It will be exciting to watch Clowney continue to develop alongside the rest of his teammates as Brooklyn enters a new era.