Home / Sports / Claxton's Blocks Vanish: Nets' Defense Crumbles?
Claxton's Blocks Vanish: Nets' Defense Crumbles?
24 Feb
Summary
- Nic Claxton's defensive impact has significantly declined this season.
- His block numbers are down for the fourth consecutive season.
- Backup Sharpe shows better defensive rating than Claxton.

Brooklyn Nets' starting center Nic Claxton's defensive performance has seen a notable downturn in the current season, a significant internal regression for the team. Claxton, formerly a strong rim protector, is averaging fewer blocks for the fourth consecutive season, and his defensive rating of 120.6 is the lowest on the team. This decline is particularly concerning given that his backup, Day'Ron Sharpe, has posted a superior defensive rating of 110.5.
Despite a career year in passing and free-throw performance, Claxton's key defensive skills, rebounding and shot-blocking, have deteriorated. His involvement in help defense rotations has also decreased. While Claxton still accounts for a substantial portion of the Nets' blocked shots, his struggles highlight a broader team deficiency in rim protection. The Nets hope for Claxton's defensive resurgence next season to bolster their chances in the Eastern Conference.




