Brooklyn Nets big man Nicolas Claxton is expected to have a bigger role this season and by the sounds of it, he's 100% ready for the challenge. In fact, Claxton believes that he is amongst the best in the league defensively. Especially, in one specific category. Via Kristian Winfield of NY Daily News:
“I take a lot of pride in that and feel like I’m one of the best defenders in the league,” Claxton said.
Claxton impressed for the Nets in their preseason finale on Thursday, dropping 11 points and collecting seven boards in a 107-101 win over Minnesota. We already know that he's a formidable defender in the paint, but the big man has improved immensely when it comes to containing guards, something that he did a lot in college.
The other centers on the Nets roster in LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap are generally players who thrive inside. Having Claxton as a more versatile threat at the five should prove to be valuable for Steve Nash in 2021-22.
His first two seasons in the league with the Nets were limited due to injuries and a battle with COVID-19. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 2020-21, but with more opportunities and confidence this time around, the best could be yet to come from Claxton.
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