2. The Nets have two bright, young centers
The Brooklyn Nets have not one but two bright young centers. Nic Claxton, who broke out last season, filled up the stat sheet Monday night, scoring 12 points with three rebounds, three assists, a block, and a steal.
His backup, 21-year-old Day’Ron Sharpe, scored nine points and gobbled up ten boards with two blocks in 18 minutes. Sharpe displayed his aggressiveness, drawing four fouls, leading to eight free throw attempts for the North Carolina product. That might be a sign of things to come for the young center.
Nic Claxton shows off his versatility with the slam 💪
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2023
Watch Nets/Sixers LIVE on NBA TV: https://t.co/WfH3FJ6tZs pic.twitter.com/HUFZy957cG
Claxton broke the Nets franchise record for shooting percentage last season and finished with 189 blocks, second most in the league. He was not included on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team last year and was irritated when talking to reporters last week about being snubbed.
“It makes my blood boil,” the Georgia product told reporters last week. “When KD and Kyrie left, it’s like my name just fell off the map in a sense. I was robbed of a Defensive Team appearance. My numbers were amazing, I passed every eye test.”
Claxton has a major chip on his shoulder and is ready to take another step this year.