Nic Claxton’s Breakout Season Fuels Nets’ Midyear Surge

A quarter of the way into the Brooklyn Nets’ season, Nic Claxton is playing at a level that surpasses anything he has shown in his six years in the NBA. His 14-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans marked his second triple-double of the season — after entering the year with none.

The performance reflects a broader transformation in Claxton’s role and production. Once viewed primarily as a rim runner and shot blocker, he has evolved into a dynamic playmaking center capable of orchestrating offensive possessions. His expanded responsibilities have become a central part of the Nets’ system.

Claxton’s season averages — 13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 55.7% shooting — highlight the balance he now brings to the floor. His 23.1 assist percentage ranks third among NBA centers, trailing only Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün.

As Brooklyn navigates the peaks and valleys of its season, Claxton’s rise has provided stability, creativity, and much-needed structure. His growth as a facilitator has formed the backbone of an offense that increasingly runs through him.

1. Claxton’s Playmaking Evolution

Claxton’s development as a passer has been the defining storyline of his breakout year. He has embraced added on-ball duties, consistently initiating sets and reading defenses with confidence that was not present in prior seasons. He credits much of his improvement to comfort and familiarity within the offense. Speaking to YES Network, Claxton said he is “seeing the floor” better and growing as a facilitator, helped by teammates like Michael Porter Jr. who “are always open and always making shots.” Perhaps most impressive is how well he has taken care of the ball while assuming a larger role. Claxton is averaging just 1.5 turnovers despite posting a career-high 18.0% usage rate, giving him one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios among centers with significant offensive responsibility. His 2.94 ratio ranks third among 56 centers with meaningful usage, trailing only Kristaps Porziņģis and Jokić — a testament to how efficient and thoughtful he has been with the ball.

2. A Growing Partnership With Michael Porter Jr.

A major factor behind Claxton’s success is his chemistry with Michael Porter Jr., who has emerged as Brooklyn’s top scoring option. The two have developed a strong on-court synergy built on timing, spacing, and trust. Porter has averaged 28.2 points on elite efficiency over his last 13 games, benefiting from Claxton’s passing in dribble handoff actions, high-low entry feeds, and backdoor cuts. Their partnership has provided the Nets with a consistent, dependable offensive structure. Claxton praised Porter’s instincts, noting his years playing alongside Jokić in Denver prepared him to operate effectively within a read-and-react system. Porter, meanwhile, said he and Claxton are “getting better and better at reading the defense” and have improved their ability to generate easy offense when possessions stall. The mutual growth has helped Brooklyn avoid some of the stagnation that plagued its early-season possessions and contributed to the team’s 0–7 start.

3. Two-Way Impact and Brooklyn’s Turnaround

Claxton’s offensive emergence has been matched by steady improvement on the defensive end. After a slow start, he has returned to form as a shot-blocking presence, averaging multiple blocks in nine of his last 18 games. His three blocks against the Pelicans were a reminder of his ability to anchor the paint. His surge has coincided with Brooklyn’s defensive turnaround. After posting a league-worst 128.5 defensive rating during their winless start, the Nets have improved to 115.9 over their last 16 games — a jump that has helped them remain competitive despite roster injuries and inconsistency. Claxton’s expanded driving game has also added another offensive layer. He is averaging 6.7 drives per 36 minutes — nearly double his previous high — and is converting more than half of those attempts. The combination of improved playmaking, rim pressure, and defensive activity has pushed Claxton into the conversation as one of the league’s most versatile centers, showcasing a skill set that continues to evolve.