Inside The Nets

"Generational talent, for sure" - Nic Claxton talks about matching up with Victor Wembanyama

The Nets had a unique matchup when playing against Victor Wembanyama.

Peter Sunjic

© Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
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Brooklyn lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, and the primary reason was a superb Victor Wembanyama performance. The 2023 first-overall pick posted an absurd stat line of 33 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and seven blocks.

As the primary matchup for Wemby for that game, Nic Claxton had nothing but praise for the Spurs center. It was one of the most challenging defensive assignments for the former Georgia Bulldog, but he was up for the challenge.

“Man, he’s a generational talent, for sure. Affecting the game in every asset, knocking down shots, coming off screens, just doing things you’ve never seen from a guy, from people at his height,” Nic said about Wembanyama after losing to the Spurs.

Gaining Nic’s respect is a big deal

As one of the most promising defenders in the league, Claxton is a respected big man due to his defensive prowess. He can protect the paint well with his length and anticipation with the right attitude when playing against the best centers in the NBA.

However, playing against Wemby was a different type of basketball. He is not the typical back-to-the-basket or athletic center, as Vic is just an absurdly tall player with a skill set like Kevin Durant.

Apart from his offensive abilities like jump shooting, dribbling, and finishing at the rim, Wemby is also a stellar defender. Nic realized Victor’s defensive impact when he tried to score in the paint, but he got stuffed by the 7’4” Frenchman.

Gaining Nic’s respect is a big deal, considering he is one of the best defenders in the league. Wembanyama is already one of the most promising centers in the league, but having a co-sign from some of the best defenders makes for a good confirmation that the Rookie of the Year favorite is a legitimate superstar.

Nic will be a potential stopper in the future

While Claxton is at a height disadvantage when playing against Wemby, he has all the traits one needs to be a potential Wemby stopper. Clax is already an elite defender, but when he keeps learning more about how Victor plays, you can expect him to stay with him at the perimeter and keep up with him in the paint.

People should give Claxton his overdue respect as a defender because they might get surprised when he becomes the new elite defender for taller players like Vic and Chet Holmgren.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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