Tom Crean excited for current Nets forward’s future

Nic Claxton made some big plays for the Nets in his limited chances as a rookie. His college coach expects to see even more of that in time.

Nic Claxton’s opportunities were limited in 2019-20. The Brooklyn Nets’ second-round selection in the 2019 NBA Draft (No. 31 overall) was stuck behind Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan.

But in the few opportunities the rookie forward received, he turned some heads, even though his numbers may not indicate that.

In time, The Slim Reaper could be an important part of Brooklyn’s rotation with the athleticism and intensity he brings to both ends of the floor.

Tom Crean certainly thinks that will be the case with Claxton. The Georgia Bulldogs head coach — whom Claxton played for in college for two seasons — shared some thoughts about his former player on Twitter Friday:

The more I study and watch NBA ball screen offense and defense, the more I believe ⁦@_claxton33⁩ is going to be an ABSOLUTE FORCE in the League for a long long time. He is quick, plays low, has great feet, flexible hips, length and great balance. Go ⁦@BrooklynNets!

With the upcoming experience at Disney set to be unlike any the NBA has seen before, perhaps Claxton will get the chance to show off the abilities Crean highlighted.