Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton had a career-year for himself during the 2022-23 season. While Claxton came into the NBA with some promise as the 31st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of the University of Georgia, his career got off to a slow start as he dealt with injuries early on.
Coming into his fourth season, Claxton averaged just 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 64.6% from the field and 53.9% from the free-throw line. To show on the surface how much Claxton improved, he ended 2022-23 averaging 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game (tied for second in the NBA) while shooting 70.5% from the field (led the league) and 54.1% from the charity stripe.
Part of the reason for Claxton’s career season was because of his availability. Out of 219 possible games available from the 2019-20 season to the 2021-22 campaign, Claxton played in just 94 games (42.9%) due to a variety of injuries that were preventing from maintaining any meaningful role on the court.
That changed for this past season as he played in 76 out of 82 contests which shows how much the work that he put into his body paid off. When Claxton played, he looked like he was in great shape and looked capable of being the defensive anchor for the Nets.
Claxton, 24, was always a good defender due to his size and athleticism. However, in 2022-23, he showed that he could be more than just a great defender as he was able to protect the rim with the best in the league and he was even able to make an impact on the perimeter after switching. Claxton routinely displayed his ability to keep up with perimeter players thank to his quick foot speed.
Where Claxton really showed some improvement outside of his defensive ability was how much he improved on offense. 12.6 points per game does not sound like a lot, but given the fact that Claxton showed some touch around the basket as well as the confidence to take certain shots, Brooklyn had to be impressed.
The former Georgia Bulldog still needs work to refine some of his work in the post, but as of right now, Claxton is good in the pick-and-roll and has already shown the ability to finish at the basket, even though contact. He even broke out some of what he can do a passer and creator in the half-court when the situation arises.
Claxton’s biggest weaknesses at this point is free-throw shooting, shooting from outside of the paint, and dealing with bigger players near the basket. Claxton has always been a tall, lanky kind of guy, but with his work ethic, it would not be a surprise to see him put on more weight to make himself more effective in the paint.
Despite some touting Claxton as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Claxton did not come close to winning the award. Next season could be a different story as Claxton will come into the season having a training camp with most of what the roster should be for the opener.
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