NBA Basketball: A Look at Former Bulldog, Nic Claxton in Brooklyn

Nic Claxton is the first Georgia Basketball player selected in the NBA draft since Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went 8th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. Claxton averaged 13.0 points on 46% shooting from the floor in just over 31 minutes per game last season for the Bulldogs.

Claxton's draft status rose throughout the pre-draft process due to his skills being put on display in workouts. Teams were able to see that the 6'10" big man showed the ability to put the ball on the deck and handle the basketball at the top of the key.

Though, his defensive skills are what's made him coveted enough to warrant the first pick in the 2nd round of last night's NBA Draft. Teams are impressed with Claxton's ability to defend against the pick and roll at his size and length. Possessing the ability to guard in space and provide your team with the ability to switch is precious in today's NBA.

Nic's offensive game has the potential to stretch out a bit further. He reminds me a lot of Chris Bosh (though undoubtedly that has a lot to do with the short dreads and smooth lefty stroke). So, the idea that one day he may become a reliable three-point shooter is not out of the question, but as of now, he's yet to prove he can shoot the ball consistently from deep.

As for the Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are no longer the league's laughing stock. No no no, they've passed that title down to the Bulls, Suns, Knicks of the world. Despite most likely losing their leading scorer from last season, D'Angelo Russell to free agency, they are the leader in the clubhouse to sign Kyrie Irving and maybe even Kevin Durant.

So, for the first time since those finals runs back in the early 2000s with Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Kenyon Martin all in their primes, the now Brooklyn Nets are looking to be on an upward trend.

NBA free agency is set to kick off, so a lot will ultimately change before their first game in November, but let's take a look at where Nic Claxton will fit in on this roster filled with young talent.

Assuming that Claxton will get the majority of his time at the Power Forward and Center position, here's the depth at those two positions as this article is being written:

Jarrett Allen: In 80 games last season he averaged 10.9 PPG/8.4 Reb/1.5 BPG in 26 minutes per game.
Ed Davis: in 81 games last season he averaged 5.8 PPG/8.6 RPG on just under 18 minutes per game
Alan Williams: Only played in 5 games last season.

So, it's clear based on how the depth chart sits as of this moment, Nicolas Claxton is going to get a good bit of playing time this next season. Not to mention the three guys above, are all almost exclusively centers. Meaning there's no reason, with Claxton's ability to switch and stretch the floor, he shouldn't be able to play alongside Allan and Davis as their power forward.

"He needs to work on his jump shot" is a saying 95% of players entering the draft hear. Hell, even Zion Williamson has been hearing it. So, he's just another young kid who needs to work on an aspect of his game. At this point, it's all about who actually puts in that work to become a better shooter. No one saw Kawhi Leonard becoming a dependable 3-point shooter, at least Claxton has hope entering the league.