Redrafting the 2019 NBA Draft: Injury concerns and flawed greatness

The Nets have faced the unenviable challenge of balancing Nic Claxton’s breakout season with the simple fact that neither he nor Ben Simmons can shoot, and the latter — supposedly the third wheel of Brooklyn’s deadly Big Three — has struggled rather extensively at times. That said, despite the awkward fit and nonstop drama around the Nets franchise, Claxton is indeed blossoming.

A lanky 7-footer who can sprint the floor like a gazelle, Claxton does in theory fit Brooklyn’s up-tempo, spaced-out offense (if only the Nets were actually up-tempo and spaced-out). He can terrorize defenses in transition or play the more traditional rim-runner role in the halfcourt. As of this writing, he’s leading the league in field goal percentage; once he catches the ball near the rim, Claxton’s blend of length, trampoline athleticism, and soft touch make him hard to stop.

What really cements Claxton in the lottery, however, is defense. There just aren’t many centers, even in today’s more modern and mobile game, who can defend as flexibly as Claxton. His lateral quickness and 7-foot-3 wingspan allow Claxton to devour space and block a lot of shots around the basket. He can also switch onto the perimeter and contain guards or wings at the point of attack. He’s system-proof. A true 16-game player.

He would benefit from more strength in certain matchups, but Claxton’s defensive versatility is a one-way ticket to relevance for the rest of his prime. Good teams need players who can protect the rim without getting roasted in space. Plus, he flashes some real skill on top of his raw athleticism offensively. There’s a lot to like here, both short and long-term.