With Brooklyn Nets 2024 Media Day in the books, Nic Claxton had some notable remarks on the upcoming season.
Nic Claxton’s Media Day Recap: A New Leader in Brooklyn
A New Leader
With the Brooklyn Nets trading away Mikal Bridges, the Nets need a team leader. With Claxton going into his sixth season in the NBA, all of them being with Brooklyn, he is a candidate to fill that role.
In the 2023-24 season, Claxton averaged 11.8 points and 9.9 rebounds. Claxton is a great two-way center but has struggled to shoot the ball this far into his career. When asked about expanding his offensive game, Claxton said, “Maybe extending my range to mid-range shots, being more consistent from the free throw line.”
However, Claxton has no intentions of slowing down on the defensive end, saying, “Defensive Player of the Year will always be a goal of mine.” After coming off of two consecutive years of averaging over two blocks a game, Claxton will be the defensive anchor of the team. Aside from strictly being a shot-blocker, he hopes to showcase his versatility on defense, being able to guard the one through five.
Free Agency
When reporter Chris Shearn asked about Claxton’s mindset during free agency, Claxton admitted to being hesitant about re-signing but also expressed his love for the Brooklyn Nets. “It’s a business at the end of the day, but I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to come back. I love Brooklyn and they love me.”
Fortunately, for Nets fans, Claxton signed a four-year, $100 million contract on July 6.
One of the reasons that Claxton is a fan-favorite is due to his competitive nature. When reporter Frank Isola mentioned the powerful Eastern Conference, Claxton expressed hunger to compete with the best. “It’s going to bring the best out of me.”
Shearn rehashed Claxton’s previous media day, where he stated, “I fear no one.” When asked about that quote Claxton expressed the importance of being a resilient team, especially as the underdogs.
“That’s the only way we’re going to win games,” he says, “We’ve got to be scrappy and gritty and we really have to play with that chip on our shoulder.”
Claxton on Ja Morant
While Claxton is focused on improving his game, he also spoke on his former AAU teammate, Ja Morant’s return. “I think he’s gonna get back to himself, that’s all he has to do. I saw him this summer. He’s healthy, seems like mentally and physically.” Morant has had a hectic past two seasons, dealing with issues on and off the court. However optimism is high in Memphis with the addition of 7’4 center Zach Edey.
Coach’s Words of Motivation
Shearn mentioned how Jalen Wilson resonates with Coach Jordi Fernandez saying to get 1% better every day. “I think that can resonate with anybody in any walk of life.” Claxton also revealed how the organization implemented that philosophy over the offseason.
Isola followed up by addressing Claxton’s emotion on the court and mentioned how they sometimes lead to technical fouls. As a player who is a key piece of the organization and the energizer of the team, it is key for him to manage these emotions.
“I’ve had internal discussions with myself, just trying to be more aware in certain situations when it can really hurt us.”
Claxton’s ability to recognize his weaknesses and adapt are what make him such a special player.
Despite being tapped by Dorian Finney-Smith for his interview, Claxton made it clear that he wants to step and be a leader for the team.
