The Nic Claxton Effect

Photo by Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn, New York - Nicholas Claxton didn’t just take a leap this season; he took a hundred-foot jump. For the 2021-22 season, Claxton averaged 8.7 points and 1.1 blocks per game. In addition, he shot 67 percent from the field. This season he is averaging 12.7 points on 73 percent shooting from the field. Currently, he is leading the league in blocks per game with 2.7. 

Claxton is currently the main factor in the Nets’ defense, leading the team in rebounds and blocks. The Nets have the sixth-best defense since Kevin Durant went down, allowing 111.8 points per 100 possessions. The 15 pounds of muscle he put on in the offseason are showing. He can guard all five positions and matches up well against bigger centers. 

Last year, Claxton mostly scored through pick and rolls and a dunk or two. This year, he has developed a hook shot and flies past defenders to the rim. Claxton’s main problem in developing his game is his free throws.

In the game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, they started to foul Claxton on purpose to get him to the free-throw line instead of letting him get to the basket. He shot just 6-of-15 from the free throw line on Sunday and went 1-of-6 in the third quarter. 

On Monday, Claxton told the New York Post about the intentional fouls saying, “I definitely take it as a challenge. I don’t care. If teams are fouling me, it’s a sign of respect.” During Tuesday’s practice, Claxton was seen working on his free throws. With his work ethic, Claxton can improve his free throws in the years to come.  

At the same time, Claxton had arguably the best game of his career against the Warriors with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. In his last five games, Claxton is averaging 19.2 points on 72.7 percent from the field, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks. Claxton is what Ben Simmons was expected to be for this Nets team after their horrible defense last year.

But Claxton is the one who has stepped up to the plate.