Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets was one of the NBA’s most improved centers during the 2022-2023 season. His scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage took a great leap. Most notably, his defense rose to a level worthy of an All-Defensive selection. The voters did not choose Claxton for the team, however; his stats justify a consideration.
Brooklyn Nets Future All-Defensive Selection: Nic Claxton
Elite Defensive Impact
Claxton averaged 2.5 blocks per game this past season, which is good for 2nd in the NBA. He ranked 6th in defensive plus-minus, which measures how well a player prevents the other team to score per 100 possessions. In addition, Claxton showed his defensive versatility with his ability to guard all positions on the court. Claxton switched defenders often, especially when the other team’s offense played him one on one. Claxton ranked in the 78th percentile in the NBA in isolation defense situations, allowing only 0.79 points per possession. These isolation numbers ranked better than the recent defensive player of the year Jaren Jackson Jr. While he excelled in multiple stats, the fact remains that Claxton was not chosen for an All-Defensive selection, but why?
Stiff Competition
The center position is stacked with players contending for all-defensive spots. Brook Lopez was close to winning Defensive Player of the Year as a center. Thus, his stats and impact nearly guaranteed him to earn the first of the two spots for the All-Defensive team. Claxton needed to beat Bam Adebayo, who earned the 2nd spot. Although Adebayo did not average as many blocks as Claxton, he ranked number one among centers for the defensive plus-minus stat.
Predictions
Nic Claxton made significant improvements this past season. It is unlikely that he will take a jump as great as he did. He can, however, build upon what he has done. Claxton has the ability to be top ten in blocks per game, average one steal, and be top five in defensive impact stats next season. It would not be a surprise if he outdid these expectations, as he continues to get stronger. In addition, he played 76 games this season, which is almost double what he played last season. His availability and experience will allow him to make even better defensive plays and boost the Brooklyn Nets’ defense as a whole. It is reasonable to predict that Claxton will make an All-Defensive team within the next two years. If he becomes even more dominant, Defensive Player of the Year is not out of reach.
Final Reflection
Even though Claxton did not make an All-Defensive team this season, he improved to one of the best defensive players in the league. He blocked more shots than almost everyone in the NBA and ranked highly in his defensive impact. Stats are not the only requirement to make the team. A player has to be popular in some way and create highlight plays. Claxton had no shortage of exciting defensive plays. Take a look at this amazing hand-switching block. When he asserts himself like this, sportswriters and broadcasters take note. Claxton takes pride in defense, and his impact will yield a future all-defensive spot.
