There has been a lot of focus on what the Brooklyn Nets are going to do at the point guard position with NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving not being a full-time player. However, the point guard spot wasn’t the only position the Nets had a new starter at.
Brooklyn is also breaking in a new center in Nicolas Claxton. Claxton was the first pick of the second round in 2019, going 31st overall out of Georgia. He appeared in only 47 games his first two seasons in the NBA and was an end-of-rotation player in the 2021 postseason. But, now he is being tasked with being the team’s starting center.
Former Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie believed that Claxton was one of the most talented players on the roster since he was drafted. But, could he be on the move sooner than later? One executive believes he is a guy that can get traded.
“I think Claxton’s a guy that could get moved,” an NBA executive who spoke with HoopsHype predicted. “They’ve got a lot of veterans they can play over him that came there to play and win a championship. I think they end up moving him if they need a piece. I like him. He’s young and skilled. He just needs to go to a place where he’ll get a lot of opportunities. Brooklyn’s tax bill is going to be ridiculous coming up. If they figure they can get someone as productive as him, and I think they drafted Day’Ron Sharpe with that in mind, to fill his role at a lower salary number.”
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The Brooklyn Nets’ tax bill situation could change if they find a taker for Irving on the trade market also. But, as things are currently situated, the Nets will be making some decisions based on saving some money.
Day’Ron Sharpe was selected in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft and could be someone that earns playing time down the road. Once he shows he is ready for that, he could make Nicolas Claxton expendable.
Another executive believes Claxton is viewed highly around the league.
“I think Claxton has a ton of value around the league, especially on the defensive end,” a second NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I think his ability to handle the ball is unique for someone his size. That’s the way Tom Crean used him at Georgia. I think he’s got more upside on the offensive end.”
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Unlocking that level of production could come eventually, but it may not be with the Brooklyn Nets. The heavy lifting for the team will be done by Kevin Durant, James Harden, and hopefully Irving at some point.
Claxton will be relied upon to anchor the defense with his athleticism. That athleticism does provide him with some upside that if given a chance, could turn into a great player.
“Claxton is somebody that’s versatile, athletic and has size with some upside to him,” a third NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He’s going to look good, especially on that team. Maybe a top-15 protected first round-pick you could get for him.”
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Anyone can look good playing alongside Durant and Harden regularly. Nicolas Claxton should have some opportunities to wow some people with highlight plays and possibly be someone the organization can flip for more assets down the road.
