Claxton's production has declined since his lucrative extension. Is the Nets' big man's star fading as Brooklyn eyes the draft?
With a now-thin front court, Brooklyn Nets veteran Nic Claxton has been thrust into a larger role, but his struggles have only underscored the team's need for a more modern skillset at center.
The Nets' bigs had been decent, led by Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton. Porter was enjoying a career-year, averaging 24.2 points, while adding 7.1 rebounds and a career-high three assists.
But a strained hamstring may keep Porter sidelined for the remainder of the season, leaving Claxton as the only healthy remaining starter.
Claxton is having a solid, if not inspiring, season, averaging 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists, adding 1.1 blocks per game.
However, since signing a four-year, $97 million contract extension in 2024, Claxton's production has seen a steady decrease across the board.
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.
Claxton has also had a rough close to this regular season, seeing fewer minutes and proportionally decreased production in the month of March.
Last month, Claxton averaged less than 23 minutes per game, scoring just 8.1 points on 46.5-percent shooting while grabbing 6.1 rebounds. These were all season-lows for Claxton, despite the team being without main contributors like Porter and rookie point guard Egor Demin, who was ruled out in early March.
The Nets (18-58) will likely be picking early in this year's draft, as they are clinging to a bottom-three record in the league.
Duke's Cameron Boozer is the top big man option, should Brooklyn look to improve at the center position through the draft.
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 could fit nicely next to Porter's floor spacing and 3-point shooting.
Following Duke's marquee 68-63 win over Michigan in mid-February, Roundtable's Lorenzo Reyna talked about why Brooklyn should consider looking at Boozer more closely.
Reyna credited Boozer's poise, despite being a freshman, calling him "ahead of the curve" from a mental standpoint. He also highlighted his versatility and rebounding ability, as the former Columbus High School legend averaged a 22-10 double-double this season.
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 be voiced.
For Claxton, his motor and athleticism were always his calling cards, but as he gets older, Claxton has shown little improvement in areas where he is weak. In a league dominated by the 3-point shot, Claxton has shot just 19-percent from beyond the arc, making just 11 of 58 attempts over his seven-year career.
As Brooklyn continues to progress through this rebuild, a more modern NBA big may more attractive. Whether it's a rookie prospect like Boozer or Washington stretch-big Hannes Steinbach remains to be seen.
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