Nothin' But Nets
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Nets throw Reggie Perry and Nic Claxton into the fire after James Harden trade

By Aaron Notis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Reggie Perry #14 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Reggie Perry #14 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Nets need some unexpected names to step up after the James Harden trade.

James Harden is a Brooklyn Net.

The Nets now have the most exciting big three in the league (if Kyrie ever comes back). The price to be paid, however, were some homegrown fan favorites in Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. LeVert is an Indiana Pacer and Allen is a Cleveland Cavalier. In losing LeVert, you lose a perennial All-Star who could control the bench unit. In losing Allen, you lose all of your center depth.

Now, rookie Reggie Perry and injured second-year man Nicolas Claxton are being thrown into the fire for this championship team.

Perry, taken with the 57th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was able to see his first real minutes on Wednesday night, logging 11 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes. Before this, the most minutes Perry played came during the Jan. 5 dismantling of the Jazz when Durant was forced to sit for health and safety protocols. Against the Knicks, the 6-foot-9 Perry showed his ability to rebound and defend at the center position, something he’ll need to do until Claxton is healthy.

Here’s what KD had to say about Perry’s performance against the Knicks and overall development during his time with Brooklyn:

We’ll take that vote of confidence! His overall tenacity, development, and knowledge should get Perry’s two-way deal upgraded to a full-time contract now that the Nets have three open roster spots.

Claxton, who was coming off shoulder surgery in June, has been out since the beginning of camp due to right knee tendinopathy. The second-year southpaw showed elite progression in the G-League and in limited action in the NBA during his rookie season. At 6-foot-11, Claxton can provide a spark off the bench, or even start some games.

He can run the floor and make hustle plays. Once he heals up and learns how to fit within the offense, Claxton could become the surefire backup or part-time starter that the Nets need. Claxton and Perry have very similar skill sets, but Claxton’s height is a big advantage. For a team with defensive rebounding problems (30th in offensive rebounds allowed), Claxton could be a big help in that department, and with second-chance points.

The Nets have a big three and three open roster spots. Perry will have an opportunity to earn himself a full-time contract in the near future as the Nets play undermanned and Claxton continues to recover.

Fans are knocking the Nets losing every semblance of depth, but perhaps Sean Marks was onto something when he was open to moving Allen.