"I should be in the talks for the defensive player of the year." — Nic Claxton wants the NBA to acknowledge his defensive might
Nic Claxton
© Nick Turchiaro - USA TODAY Sports
Nic Claxton, the 6'11" Center, put on a show for the Brooklyn Nets yet again. He is gaining traction on the Brooklyn Nets roster since being selected in the second round by the Nets in the 2019 draft. Claxton grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots during his 26 min stint against the Pistons last night.
The youngster has been powering through the ranks of the Nets roster and has become a reliable impact player for Jacque Vaughn. Claxton is averaging 8.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game for the Nets this season. Nic's height and slim figure help him achieve decent athleticism on the court, and his ability to read a shooter's mind aids in his high blocking percentage.
Recommended Articles
Potential Defensive Player of the Year
Nic didn't hold back his claims to be considered a potential candidate for the NBA Defensive player of the year. He was seen quoting: "I should be in the talks for the defensive player of the year." This comment came as a reply to his performance against the Raptors, where he blocked six shots and registered his ninth double-double for the season.
Claxton has been transitioning well into a defensive might over the past three years in the league, and this season has come out off the blocks with all guns blazing. Giannis won the title last year, but this time it looks like the honors might be shifting toward the city of Brooklyn.
Consistency and Dogged mentality
The Brooklyn Nets have returned to their original rhythm and are on a six-game winning streak. After the early slumps suffered in the season, the unit seems to have to rebuild its tenacious mentality and reinvigorate the passion for achieving more.
With Kyrie becoming a pure menace for the opposition yet again, Durant doing what he does best, and their bench having the likes of Watanabe and Claxton, the Nets look like a force to be reckoned with as they push forward in the Eastern Conference.
