Noah Clowney came within one fan vote of adding an NBA award to his résumé. The Nets forward’s recognition for one of his best blocks last season could also be a sign of what Brooklyn can expect defensively this year.
The Brooklyn Nets may not have taken home an NBA ID Fan Favorite award this year, but Noah Clowney came pretty close.
Clowney was one of six finalists for the NBA’s 2026 Block of the Year award after a memorable rejection of Ja’Kobe Walter during Brooklyn’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors in December. The play earned Clowney a spot among the league’s best defensive moments of the 2025-26 season, although fans ultimately chose Luke Kornet’s block from the Western Conference Finals as the winner.
While missing out on the award was certainly not going to define Clowney’s season, the recognition was another reminder of the defensive ability the young forward brings to Brooklyn.
Clowney’s block of Walter came during a strong individual performance. He finished the game with 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks while posting a team-best plus-28. It was also Brooklyn’s eighth win of the season.
The rejection itself was enough to catch the league’s attention months later, earning Clowney one of just six spots on the final ballot.
For the Nets, that defensive potential could become even more important this season.
Brooklyn enters the 2026-27 campaign without Nic Claxton, leaving a significant void in the middle of its defense. Claxton established himself as one of the league’s better rim protectors during his time with the Nets, and replacing that production will likely require a collective effort.
Clowney could be part of that solution.
The former first-round pick has already shown that he can make an impact as a shot blocker. In 2024, he had a particularly impressive stretch in which he recorded seven blocks in one game and followed it up with four blocks in another.
Those performances, along with his ability to step outside and defend multiple areas of the floor, have made Clowney an intriguing piece of Brooklyn’s young core.
There is still plenty of room for him to grow, but the NBA ID nomination is another reminder that his defensive impact can be more than just potential.
Clowney is entering a season with plenty to prove as he approaches the end of his rookie contract. A strong 2026-27 campaign could have a major impact on his future, both with the Nets and around the league.
Winning a fan-voted NBA award probably isn't at the top of his priority list. But if Clowney can turn moments like his rejection of Walter into a more consistent defensive presence, Brooklyn could benefit much more from that than from any award.
The Nets need players to step up defensively this season, particularly with Claxton no longer anchoring the middle.
Clowney has already shown flashes that he can help fill that void.
Now, the challenge is turning those flashes into consistency.
