© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nic Claxton wants the Brooklyn Nets to remain positive amidst adversity
The Brooklyn Nets started the 2023/24 season with a 13-10 record over the first 23 games. That strong start is long gone because the Nets have a 17-27 record after their most recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It is difficult for any player to stay level-headed in a situation like this, but Nic Claxton has urged the rest of the Nets roster to remain positive amidst a rough patch.
“No moral victories. Another tough loss. It's tough just losing all these games. We just gotta stay positive, stay together. I know it sounds repetitive. I know I keep saying the same thing, but it's the same story,” Nic said after the loss to the Timberwolves. “We haven’t been losing by a lot of points. Tonight, they didn’t score over 100 points. We were solid defensively, 21 points ”
Nic is playing well despite the Nets' underperformance
Claxton has been one of the Nets’ best players this season, with fantastic defense and efficient offense. He averages 12.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 64.2% from the field. He is also evolving his offensive game by taking more jump shots.
The Nets are losing more games than expected, but Nic’s development is a big bright spot. Considering that his contract expires at the end of the season, the Nets should do their best to sign him on a contract extension.
He is not only productive on the court, but he’s also a positive presence in the locker room. Nic is not sugar-coating the impact of the losses, and he’s still maintaining an optimistic look into the Nets’ future, which is helpful for the locker room culture and the fans’ patience.
The Nets can still turn the season around
Brooklyn has shown plenty of promising signs this season. The recent 130-112 win over the Los Angeles Lakers was a superb example of the Nets’ potential to win more games under Coach Jacque Vaughn.
Moving forward, Brooklyn will have Ben Simmons and Day’Ron Sharpe returning to the active lineup. Their injuries negatively impacted the Nets because they were vital players in Coach JV’s system.
With the positive mindset that Nic is showing, the team will have a bright future if they stay the course. The team has talented players who need time to find stable ground and win more games for a postseason spot.
