Nick Claxton found himself suddenly the Nets' longest-tenured player, noting that such increases in seniority “happen quickly” in the NBA.
The 25-year-old center missed four of the team's preseason games with a hamstring issue, but is scheduled to play in the season opener in Atlanta on Wednesday and is “ready” for his sixth NBA start. “There is,” he declares.
Claxton, who returned to team practice as a full participant in Brooklyn on Monday, inspired established former teammates who have helped him prepare for a more leadership role this year on a rebuilding Brooklyn team. .
“Since I've been in the league, there's been a lot of really good veterans and I've been able to absorb a lot of knowledge from different players.” [and] Coaches,” Claxton said after practice. “DeAndre Jordan, Blake [Griffin]K.D. [Kevin Durant]Kylie [Irving]james [Harden]Charis [LeVert]that's a lot of bastards and I'm a sponge. I always remember things just by listening.
“So I just take what I’ve learned from them and everything I’ve seen on the court to help others and take my game to another level.”
The Nets are counting on that, too, after signing Claxton to a four-year contract extension worth $100 million in June.
The 6-foot-11 Claxton averaged a double-double last season, averaging 11.8 points and a career-best 9.9 rebounds in 71 games.
“My expectations for the team are just to compete,” Claxton said. “So, obviously, we don't have super high expectations this year, but we just have to go out there every night, compete, fight, play the game the right way and let the chips fall where they are.
“And I continue to grow as a player and as a group leader.”
Claxton thought Monday's return to practice “went well,” and first-year Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said, “It's good to have a true center on the court. Everyone gets his energy. I think you could feel it,” he said.
With Claxton and backup center Dayron Sharp out with hamstring injuries, Fernandez went with a smaller lineup featuring two point guards, Dennis Schroder and 6-10 Ben Simmons, the latter is the end of guarding the opponent's big on defense.
“I think it was good. I think it was good for the group to be put in that situation because you don't know what's going to happen all season long,” Claxton said. “That was good. [second-year forward] Noah [Clowney] So that you can get good reps in five. And now that it's back, you can see how everything looks. ”
So while Claxton said “it's definitely going to take a few games” to get his timing back, Fernandez declined to say whether he will be on a minutes restriction for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.
“That's a good question. I won't answer it for obvious reasons because I'm not giving away any secrets, but he's doing very well,” Fernandes said. “We are very happy with his current physical condition. Health is our top priority and he has done a really great job.”
Claxton also admitted he feels like a “weight has been lifted off my shoulders” after signing his new nine-figure contract.
“This is the first time I feel like I'm not worried about my contract. I'm not worried about needing to stay healthy. I just need to get out here and enjoy the game of basketball,” Claxton said. spoke. “I just want to go back to my childhood and enjoy this with a young group.
“I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like. It's a new system so I have a lot to learn, but I'm ready.”
