Nic Claxton secured a lucrative deal as a free agent last summer, re-signing with the Brooklyn Nets on a four-year, $97 million-plus contract.
However, the 25-year-old center has not yet lived up to his expectations for the 2024/25 season, and according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post, Claxton’s performance has not justified the team’s significant investment either.
“I’m not pleased with nothing, honestly,” Claxton said, offering an honest assessment of his play.
“I need to be better, more consistent. Everywhere: rebounding, free throws, protecting the rim, more blocks. I need to do everything better. Be more aggressive on offense. Everything.”
His statistics have taken a step back this season compared to his previous campaign. He is currently averaging 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 59.4% from the field in 23 appearances, playing just under 25 minutes per game.
In contrast, during the 2023/24 season, he posted 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game with a field goal percentage of 62.9% in 71 games, averaging nearly 30 minutes per game.
It’s important to note that Claxton has battled injuries this season, which could be contributing to his struggles. He missed the entire preseason due to a hamstring injury and has since dealt with a lower back strain that required an epidural injection.
Despite this, the Nets have performed better when he is off the court, which is concerning for the team, especially after committing a significant financial investment in the young center.
The decline in the player’s numbers and the team’s improved performance without him on the floor are not the outcomes the Nets were hoping for when they re-signed him to a substantial contract.
With the season still in progress, Claxton will need to improve his consistency and overall game to meet both his own standards and the Nets’ expectations.
Nets Notes: Claxton, Thomas, Williams, Clowney pic.twitter.com/BAwb952HdD
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 26, 2024
