If DeAndre Jordan is required to miss time due to his ankle injury, the Nets will be calling rookie Nic Claxton’s name to step up in his place. Claxton was taken with the 1st pick in the second round (31st overall) by the Nets in the 2019 NBA draft after a two year career at the University of Georgia. Claxton didn’t get regular playing time his freshman year (averaged on 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games) and then blossomed as a sophomore. Claxton earned second team all SEC honors after averaging 13 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 2.1 bpg his sophomore year. Claxton is a physical freak (listed at 6’11) who can jump out of the gym. Claxton got the opportunity to showcase some of that athleticism in the preseason, during which he averaged 7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, and 1.3 bpg in 3 games. Claxton only averaged 9 minutes per game during the preseason, so his numbers would’ve looked a lot better if he got more run. Claxton wasn’t suppose to play many minutes in the NBA this season (Sean Marks wanted him to develop in the G-League) but DeAndre’s injury leaves the Nets with no choice. Claxton is a much better option than Henry Ellenson, so he will be tossed into the fire pit that is the NBA. Coach Kenny Atkinson will likely limit Claxton’s minutes and go with smaller lineups at times, but Claxton will get the chance to show his skills. Claxton might have a difficult time guarding experienced NBA big men, but his superb ability to block shots should help him a lot. Claxton will play similar to Jarrett Allen on the offensive end, which is setting picks and then looking for the lob. Claxton doesn’t have much of a jump shot right now, so don’t expect him to score outside of the paint. All in all, I’m very excited to see Claxton make his debut and hopefully become another one of Sean Marks’ late round steals. I’m all on the Nic Claxton hype train

.

#WeGoHard