This past NBA champion who praised the Brooklyn Nets big is also coaching him up.
One past NBA champion has admired the changes and growth coming from Nic Claxton. And this past champ from the early 2010s is helping coach up "Clax" in Juwan Howard.
The two-time NBA champion who played from 1994 to 2013 in the league even shared what Claxton's real aspiration is with the Brooklyn Nets.
"His goal is Defensive Player of the year because of his athleticism as well as his ability to protect the rim," Howard said during his appearance on the Nets Pod with Sarah Kustok.
Claxton already has one streak going -- he's reached double figures in scoring through his last five games. But he also surpassed the 10-point mark in every December game, which was an 11-game streak.
"He is more of a a student of the game," Howard explained. "And what I mean by that is like when I give him information, he sits there, he analyzes it, thinks about it. And I love the input that he gives back."
Howard, who's an assistant coach with Brooklyn, has had a hand in developing Claxton's game. The 2012 and 2013 NBA Finals winner with the Miami Heat played forward at a high level in both the college and pros -- including forming the "Fab Five" at Michigan that popularized March Madness in the early 1990s.
The 53-year-old Howard found ways to sharpen "Clax." Including when the 6-foot-11 steps onto the floor against some of the better teams in the league. Howard then dropped one more big prediction amid Claxton's development.
"When it comes to playing against some of the tougher opponents, I feel like he can be one of the best defenders in our league," Howard said.
He recently delivered a 28-point, 10-rebound outing against the Chicago Bulls before the NBA All-Star break.
Claxton, meanwhile, is enduring one form of adversity on his path to potentially winning DPOY: Playing for a more youthful team even with Michael Porter Jr. on his side.
This roster makeup presented a grow-and-learn process -- but one bound to witness lots of losses. Sure enough, the Nets are positioned to possibly land the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery come May 10.
Claxton rose as a big highlight for the 15-38 Nets. Howard clearly welcomes his mixture of defense and absorbing coaching.
Claxton, though, hasn't produced a block in his last five games. He'll aim to snap that when the Nets return on Feb. 19.
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