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Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton
Nicolas Devir Claxton (born April 17, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), Claxton plays at the center position. He played college basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs before being selected 31st overall by the Nets in the 2019 NBA Draft. Known for his elite defensive versatility and shot-blocking, Claxton has developed into the defensive anchor of the Nets’ rebuilding efforts.
Early Life
High School Career
Claxton was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He is the son of Charles Claxton, a former NBA player who also played for the University of Georgia. Growing up in a basketball family, Nic’s length and defensive instincts were evident from a young age.
He attended Legacy Charter School in Greenville, where he became a standout three-star recruit. As a senior in 2016-17, he averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, becoming only the fourth player in school history to record over 1,000 career points. Despite not being a top-tier national recruit, he committed to the University of Georgia on November 14, 2016, following in his father’s footsteps.
College Career
Claxton spent two seasons in Athens, evolving from a raw reserve into a versatile “point-center.” As a freshman, he averaged 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, but his sophomore year (2018-19) saw a massive leap. Under coach Tom Crean, Claxton became the only player in the country to lead his team in points (13.0), rebounds (8.6), blocks (2.5), and steals (1.1).
His unique ability to handle the ball and defend all five positions as a 6-foot-11 big man caught the eyes of NBA scouts. He recorded a career-high six blocks against Missouri and drew praise for his high motor and lateral quickness. On April 19, 2019, he declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility.
NBA Career
Brooklyn Nets (2019–present)
Selected in the second round, Claxton’s early career was hampered by injuries and a crowded roster featuring stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, he gradually carved out a niche as the team’s primary rim protector.
The 2022-23 season was his breakout, where he led the league in field goal percentage (70.5%) and finished as a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His performance earned him a two-year, $17.25 million contract. Following the team’s pivot to a full rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges, the Nets prioritized locking Claxton down. In July 2024, he signed a massive four-year, $97 million contract extension to remain the team’s centerpiece.
The 2025-26 season has seen Claxton transition into a more expanded role. While his block numbers have dipped slightly to 1.2 per game, his playmaking has surged to a career-high 4.0 assists, including a 28-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist masterpiece against the Chicago Bulls on February 9, 2026. However, the Nets’ lack of veteran talent has led to constant trade rumors, with teams like the Charlotte Hornets reportedly inquiring about his availability as a long-term defensive anchor.
International Career
In 2014, Claxton represented the United States Virgin Islands (where his father has citizenship) at the Centrobasket U15 Championship, averaging 10.6 points and 11.8 rebounds. He later played for the senior US Virgin Islands national team during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Personal Life and Playing Style
Claxton is defined by his “switch-everything” defensive capability. Unlike traditional centers, he is comfortable guarding elite perimeter scorers like Stephen Curry on the wing while maintaining the recovery speed to protect the rim. Offensively, he remains a high-efficiency lob threat but has recently worked on his high-post passing.
He maintains a relatively low profile off the court, often focusing on his fitness and vegan-influenced diet to maintain his lean, 215-pound frame.
References
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