Inside The Nets

Nic Claxton's expectations for the rest of the Nets' 2023/24 season

Nic Claxton is committed to the Nets for the rest of the 2023/24 season, and he has some lofty expectations.

Marin Gabric

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The Brooklyn Nets have met and possibly even surpassed expectations in the 2023/24 season so far. They're firmly in the Playoff or Play-in race, boasting a 13-13 win-loss record.

Despite the absence of starting point guard Ben Simmons for a significant portion of the season, the team continues to secure victories. Claxton, a guy manning the middle, has established expectations for the squad in the 2023/24 campaign.

"Fair expectations for us are definitely being a playoff team and definitely going to the playoffs, making some noise, and turning some heads," Nic said to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "Obviously, we get to the playoffs, we won't be a favorite, but going in there, getting some wins, and making it tough for whoever we play against. We got swept a couple of years in a row. That leaves a bad taste in your mouth."

Nic will be a focal point for the Nets

While Brooklyn has excelled offensively this season, there remains a need for defensive enhancements. Nic serves as their anchor, averaging 2.3 blocks per game, ranking sixth in the league behind the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, Rudy Gobert.

Of course, Clax wants to compete for that award, but the number of games played is hampering his case. After returning from injury, the University of Georgia product has shown that he has not lost a step on defense as he protects the rim and has proven to be a superb switch defender in the pick-and-roll.

Offensively, Nic has really stepped up his game, creating scoring opportunities for himself. This not only highlights his improved skills but also reinforces his efficiency, especially in his trademark style of scoring through put-backs and finishing with style on alley-oop plays.

The Nets will keep improving

Brooklyn has grappled with numerous injuries this season, notably affecting key players like point guards Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith Jr. Their roles are crucial in the Nets' plans going forward, particularly in orchestrating the team's offense effectively.

Coach Jacque Vaughn still has untapped potential with this team because they have never been fully healthy this season apart from the season opener. 

Nic is setting realistic expectations for the team because they have the potential to surprise the NBA world with a fully healthy squad.

Jacque Vaughn provides Ben Simmons' recovery update

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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