The Brooklyn Nets will play their third NBA Cup group stage game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets season has been uneven. After 15 games, they have a 6-9 record. Despite the rough stretch and trade rumors surrounding the team, the Nets welcomed Nic Claxton’s return to practice on Thursday.
Nets Center Nic Claxton Returns To Practice
Although Claxton practiced with the team, his status for Friday is questionable according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The Nets have struggled without Claxton, who has been out with a lower back strain, especially during the late fourth quarter of games. Clayton’s return to practice is great news for the Nets and their fans. He missed the preseason and came off the bench for his first six games of the season.
Nets Injury Report
Updates were also given about Day’ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas, and Dorian Finney-Smith who also missed games due to injuries.
Sharif Phillips-Keaton of the Nets Wire reported that The Nets announced that Sharpe’s left hamstring is progressing on schedule. He also tweeted that Cam Thomas (lower back tightness) is probable for tomorrow’s game at the 76ers while Nic Claxton (lower back strain) and Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle sprain) are questionable.
Improving the Team’s Lineup
News of these injury reports suggests that the Nets are in a good position to get a healthy roster soon. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has mentioned that fast-paced games lead to wins. Getting Sharpe, Thomas, and Claxton back can improve the team’s lineup. Fernandez has also made it clear that he does not want Ben Simmons to play in back-to-back games this season due to his back injury history. He wants to prevent Simmons from getting injured again.
Claxton’s Impact
Claxton’s return to the court could be a game-changer for the Nets’ lineup. Although Simmons and Claxton have not shared the court much this season, the Nets should consider using both players together in the fourth quarter. Their defensive skills could significantly impact late-game situations.
Nets fans have noticed that the 2024-25 team shows more hustle than in past seasons. Even in their losses, the games have been very close. During his absence, Claxton has not been involved in recent trade rumors, unlike his teammates Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Bojan Bogdanovic.
The Future and Approach
The Nets are in rebuilding mode. Recent reports indicate their intention to clear house before the trade deadline. Thomas, who could not agree to an extension in the offseason, is a significant part of this rebuild. Despite his impressive scoring, the Nets and Thomas could not come to terms, leaving him set to become a restricted free agent in 2025. Meanwhile, Nic Claxton secured a four-year, $97 million contract in free agency re-signing with Brooklyn.
Trading Thomas would be a major loss for the Nets. Building around Thomas and Claxton while accumulating draft picks could be the best approach for the organization’s future success. For now, Claxton’s return to practice on Thursday is a good sign for the Nets, who, despite losses and injuries, continue to show their determination to win.
