Nets Forward Noah Clowney’s Transformation
As training camps kick off, Day’ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas seem to lean more towards integrating the larger Egor Dëmin into their gameplay. Amid this, one player who’s really caught attention is Noah Clowney.
The former Willowwee standout has now firmly established himself as a significant presence in the game, transforming from a young player to someone who truly seems to have matured.
Clowney packed on muscle during the offseason, focusing on addressing weaker aspects of his game with the help of the Nets’ coaching staff.
“Yeah, Clowney looks like a grown man,” Coach Jordi Fernandez remarked. “At just 21 years old, I’m really excited to see him in action. Of course, he still needs to get through training camp and preseason, but he’s made impressive strides. His shooting, size in the paint, and decision-making have all improved significantly.”
This added bulk should undoubtedly assist in his development.
“My overall goal is to be a stronger driver,” Clowney mentioned. “I need to be able to navigate contact while still having that explosive ability.”
He reported to camp weighing in at 234 pounds, having played last season around 220-225 pounds. This physical change stands in stark contrast to the struggles he had finishing plays last season.
“A lot of NBA players are top athletes, and once they reach this level, they learn to finish at the rim more consistently,” Fernandez continued. “Often, the best finishers didn’t start off with all the talent—they had to develop their decision-making skills.”
Clowney, who’s primarily taken over Dorian Finney-Smith’s forward spot after his trade, faces challenges, particularly with his shooting. Though capable of creating space on the floor, he struggled with finishing. His stats tell a pretty clear story: he ranked in the fourth percentile for two-point shots off the glass and had the fifth-worst shooting percentage—45.3%—within ten feet of the basket, among players over 6-foot-7 with at least 50 attempts.
Improving his rebounding is equally essential.
“I believe the extra strength will certainly help him,” Fernandez observed. “Noah has always been a decent rebounder, and with this added bulk, he’s bound to improve.”
Visible changes in his physique might allow Clowney to push through contact more effectively, enhancing his performance.
Ultimately, better decision-making can significantly elevate his drives. “In transition, it’s easier when the defense isn’t set. Just step forward, make your decisions, and avoid turnovers,” Clowney explained.
