Claxton shattered Nets records with surprising playmaking. Yet, with offensive numbers dipping, his future impact hinges on more than just assists.
As the Brooklyn Nets traverse the upcoming offseason, Nic Claxton remains their projected starting big man, entering his eighth year with the franchise.
Claxton had a typical season by his metrics, averaging 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists, adding 1.1 blocks per game.
While most of these numbers are on par with Claxton's typical averages, the assist numbers were a big surprise, as the former Georgia product set franchise marks with his playmaking.
Claxton's 253 total assists and 3.7 average both set Nets franchise records, shattering Brook Lopez's previous mark of 187.
While this is a nice achievement, Claxton's production elsewhere has seemingly peaked, begging the question of what is next for he and the Nets.
Since signing a four-year, $97 million contract extension in 2024, Claxton's numbers outside of assists have dropped.
In both of the seasons prior to his deal, Claxton averaged more points, rebounds, and blocks, shooting nearly 14 percentage points better from the field in his best statistical season in 2022-2023.
With the importance of spacing and 3-point shooting in today's NBA landscape, Claxton's inability to step out beyond the arc is a significant weakness.
In seven seasons with Brooklyn, Claxton has showed minimal improvement from 3-point range, making just 11 deep balls on 59 attempts. Despite his attempts being extremely limited, Claxton has never shot higher than 23.8-percent for a season.
Should the Nets look to improve through the draft, Duke's Cameron Boozer is the top big man option.
Although there aren't many prototypical big men in most lottery projections, Boozer may fit as an undersized center at the next level. Boozer's size and rebounding ability make up for his lack of height, adding the ability to score from all three levels.
The reigning Naismith Player of the Year is also a willing passer, notching 4.1 assists per game.
Washington center Hannes Steinbach is also a mid-late first round option for Brooklyn, providing ability to shoot the 3-ball and protect the rim.
The 7-foot freshman averaged 18.5 points per game, shooting at a 34-percent mark from deep. He led the country in rebounding with 11.8 rebounds, adding 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.
Claxton's growth as a playmaker is impressive, but the Nets aren't looking for him to run their offense, rather needing big-time rebounding and rim protection.
With Claxton under contract through 2028, his lack of growth, slight decline and inability to lead a young, hobbled Nets squad are all reasons for concern.
The Nets have gotten solid value out of Claxton since taking him in the second round of the 2019 draft, but questions about whether he is a bona fide franchise center have begun to surface.
As Brooklyn continues to progress through this rebuild, a more modern-styled NBA big may be more suitable.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!