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Nic Claxton’s Two-Way Surge Reframes His Value for the Nets

Targeted film work spurred a rim-protection reset, with career-best scoring efficiency elevating his value.

Overview

  • After opening with zero blocks over four games, Claxton recorded a season-high four in the Nov. 16 win at Washington and has posted 2.1 per game across his last seven appearances.
  • He is off to a career-best offensive start at 15.2 points and 3.9 assists per game with a 64.8 true shooting percentage during Brooklyn’s 2-11 start.
  • Playmaking has jumped to a 20.9% assist rate with a 3.00 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking among the top centers by both measures this season.
  • Brooklyn’s aggressive pick-up points have pulled him from the rim, but a pregame challenge from assistant Steve Hetzel preceded improved timing and paint deterrence against the Wizards.
  • His resurgence is drawing sell-high trade speculation ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, aided by a descending contract, as the Nets also manage rookie Ben Saraf’s ankle sprain with a 10-day reevaluation timeline.