Jordi Fernandez said he thought Nic Claxton has DPOY potential. That just makes his season all the more frustrating.
Nic Claxton knows he has to be better … a lot better, a lot of the time.
“I’m not pleased with nothing, honestly,” Claxton said this week. “I need to be better, more consistent.
“Everywhere: rebounding, free throws, protecting the rim, more blocks, I need to do everything better. Be more aggressive on offense. Everything.”
The Brooklyn Nets had a lot of confidence in their near 7-footer going into this season. They gave him a $97 million deal which could reach nine figures if he meets some incentives. But an off-season injury and other frustrations has left everyone disappointed.
Claxton’s production, at least on its face, has dropped off, from 11.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season to 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, which as Brian Lewis noted Wednesday is “hardly horrible,” and could be attributed to both his lower back issues — and as Lewis called it, “roster attrition.” Indeed, since Dennis Schroder left, his numbers have dropped further to just 7.8 points and six boards.
Similarly, as the Post writer pointed out, his defense is now suspect as well. When he was named head coach back in April, admittedly before Clax’s injury, Jordi Fernandez said he believed the 25-year-old (and the Nets player with the most seniority) could challenge for the defensive player of the year. Not happening, at least not this year.
Lewis again:
Claxton’s Net Rating has been in steady decline, from a 3.7 two years ago to minus-5.6 last season to a current minus-6.8 today. While his athleticism is slowly returning as he gets deeper into the season, his blocks per 100 possessions have dropped from 4.1 two years ago to just 2.5.
But the concern isn’t just about numbers whether offensive or defensive. It’s his temperament.
Claxton already has four technicals, two flagrants and three ejections in just 23 games. He had 10 technicals (and three flagrants) last season, and 11 more the year before that.
Claxton has hinted he may need some help in controlling his temper. More recently, he said he’s hopeful he can get better on his own, that it’s his priority.
“Yeah, time, rhythm. mentally just keeping myself in a good place with everything. Just finding that consistency and finding my swagger through everything that’s going on,” Claxton said. “It’s on me, though. I’ll be better.”
- Nic Claxton failing to live up to Nets’ $97 million commitment ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
- Nets’ Nic Claxton has critical take on performance after receiving near-$100 million contract – Erik Slater – Clutch Points