Nic Claxton’s Defensive Ceiling Still Has Believers in Brooklyn
Nic Claxton has always had the tools-length, mobility, timing-to be a game-changer on the defensive end. And while his flashes of brilliance have come and gone over the years, there’s a growing sense within the Brooklyn Nets organization that the 26-year-old center is starting to put it all together.
One person who’s especially bullish on Claxton’s upside? Nets assistant coach Juwan Howard.
“He’s a student of the game,” Howard said recently on the Nets Pod with Sarah Kustok. “When I give him information, he analyzes it, thinks it through, and gives great input.” That kind of mental engagement, Howard believes, is what separates good defenders from great ones-and it’s part of why he sees Defensive Player of the Year potential in Claxton.
Howard, who joined the Nets staff ahead of last season, brings a wealth of experience working with big men, and he’s clearly struck up a strong rapport with Claxton. “When it comes to playing against some of the tougher opponents,” Howard said, “I feel like he can be one of the best defenders in our league.”
It’s a bold statement, but not an unfounded one.
Claxton is in the midst of what might be his most complete season yet. While his block numbers-1.3 per game-aren’t as eye-popping as his 2022-23 peak (2.5 per game), his all-around contributions are more balanced than ever.
He’s averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, shooting an efficient 59.0% from the field. Even his free-throw percentage, long a weak spot, has ticked up to 60.7%.
What’s changed? For one, Claxton’s role on both ends has expanded.
He’s no longer just a lob threat and rim protector-he’s facilitating more from the high post, reading defenses, and making quicker decisions. On defense, he’s still switching onto guards, still contesting shots at the rim, but he’s also anchoring the backline of a team that’s leaned heavily on his versatility.
It’s worth remembering that Claxton’s breakout as a shot-blocker came during a turbulent stretch for the Nets. In 2022-23, Brooklyn shifted dramatically after trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
The franchise went from contender to retooling overnight, but Claxton kept grinding. He didn’t just survive the transition-he evolved through it.
Now, with a new coaching staff led by Jordi Fernandez and a roster that’s still finding its identity, Claxton is quietly becoming one of the pillars of the Nets’ future. Howard’s belief in his ceiling isn’t just coach-speak-it’s rooted in how Claxton is processing the game, maturing as a communicator, and impacting both ends of the floor.
The Defensive Player of the Year conversation is always crowded. It takes more than just blocks and highlights to break into that upper tier-it takes consistency, leadership, and a team context that allows your impact to shine through. Claxton may not be there yet, but if you ask the people around him, especially those working with him every day, he’s not far off.
And if he keeps trending the way he is, don’t be surprised if his name starts surfacing in those conversations sooner rather than later.