Brooklyn Nets big man hopes team won’t make a trade - “We have everything we need when everybody is on the court”
Nic Claxton
© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets fans should be thrilled that the team has finally shown its potential, becoming one of the top squads in the Eastern Conference. If Brooklyn keeps up its performance until the trade deadline, the front office won't likely be too eager to enter the trade market. For Nets center Nic Claxton, he hopes the Nets will finish the 2022-23 campaign with its current roster.
"I hope so," Claxton told YES Network on Friday when asked about keeping the roster intact. "Everybody, especially earlier in the season, 'Oh, they need this, they need a big, they need that.' But we have everything we need when everybody is on the court, locked in, and we're all scrambling, playing hard."
Impressive chemistry
One of the improvements the Nets have displayed this season is the development of their chemistry under coach Jacque Vaughn.
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During the Steve Nash era, it seemed like the players were on different pages on the court which affected their overall position in the standings. The result earlier this campaign was a 2-5 record and mediocre to abysmal offense and defense. With talented players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Claxton, Brooklyn was clearly underachieving. Consequently, it was on the verge of a roster blowup anytime.
With Vaughn at the helm, the Nets have become beasts on both ends of the court. Offensively, they have been the most efficient jump-shooting team in the Association and have combined that with a top-ranked defense.
Rebounding needs
A major issue the team is currently facing is the lack of rebounding. This season, the Nets are averaging just 40.5 boards per contest, ranking 28th in the league in that department.
Claxton has been doing his part to keep the team afloat, grabbing 8.3 rebounds per game. However, that might prove insufficient when the playoffs come, and opponents can zero in on the Nets' weaknesses.
Fortunately, the role players on the roster have provided the franchise with solid contributions in their areas of strength and giving the stars their needed help.
But the front office might have to address the rebounding dearth through a roster upgrade. Instead of dealing away its players to find the right players, perhaps Brooklyn can keep Claxton happy by looking at the waiver wire or t
