Nic Claxton is unafraid of playing against the NBA's best centers

The Nets have not played well in the past few weeks, but that should not fall to Nic Claxton. At 6’11”, Nic has the length to keep up with all kinds of bigs, but he also possesses a unique ability to switch onto smaller players with his foot speed and balance.

Despite his height, the main criticism of Clax is he’s a thinner big man. People around the NBA world think Nic can get pushed around by other bigs in the league. That is not the case because the former Georgia Bulldog is a strong defender and one of the league’s most efficient offensive players.

Nic Claxton since Christmas:

10+ rebounds in 14/16 (88%) of games
10+ points in 14/16 (88%) of games
2+ STOCKS in 14/16 (88%) of games

Consistently playing winning basketball ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/dj7mfBwBNs
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) January 28, 2024

“I think I’m a great big man. Any time I have a matchup like that, one of the ‘top centers’ in the league, I always take it personally to go out and be the best version of myself. I’m an extremely competitive person. I love basketball, and I love to compete, so I bring that every single night,” Claxton said after he played against the Timberwolves’ duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.

Claxton is still evolving as an elite center

In the 2022/23 season, Claxton was a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. It was not a surprise for people who watched Nic play defense because he’s an elite rim protector, but he can also switch onto guards. He has the defensive instincts to keep up with speedy ball-handlers, which is extremely rare for a big man.

Aside from his defense, Nic is also evolving as an offensive player. He is getting more opportunities to post-up to hit hook shots or even take spot-up jumpers. However, his bread and butter remains his efficiency with alley-oops and putbacks.

I’m absolutely loving the growing chemistry between Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.

The decisiveness of both players paired with the natural is a perfect combo for a young guard and big tandem moving forward.pic.twitter.com/1HRovVrKLB
— Jac Manuell (CT & Clowney Obsessed) (@JacManuell) January 23, 2024

Confidence is key to competing against elite big men

By sending this message, Clax makes it abundantly clear that he is ready to lead the Nets as the starting center. He wants to match up with stars like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Nic wants to take on the challenge because he is confident in his abilities while motivating the rest of the Brooklyn roster.

The Nets have a bright future as Nic continues to develop. At only 24 years old, Claxton has more in store with his stellar performances. He is in the final year of his contract with Brooklyn, and the organization needs to re-sign him if they want to have a readymade elite center on the roster.

Claxton is still evolving as an elite center

Confidence is key to competing against elite big men

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