How Nic Claxton can 'shore up' Bulls’ defense

The Chicago Bulls received high marks after acquiring Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade. Claxton brings a strong abundance of defense, rim protection, and playmaking.

As the Bulls continue to rebuild, VP of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham foresees him as a key to upgrading the Chicago defense, per Drew Stevens of The Bigs.

“Last year, we weren’t a great defensive team,” Graham said. Then he referred to Claxton as the guy to “shore up our back line.”

Last season, the Bulls finished with a defensive rating of 118.1, which was 27th in the NBA. Additionally, Chicago has struggled to develop their top talent (e.g., Josh Giddey, Coby White) into effective defenders.

Last year, Claxton finished the season averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He shot 57.1% from the field and had a defensive rating of 117.8. Claxton’s defensive impact contributed to the Nets’ strong start to the season.

Claxton was a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2022-23 season. He finished second in total blocks with 189 and averaged 2.5 blocks per game.

Claxton arrives at a time when the Bulls are undergoing a complete rebuilding stage. The addition of rookies Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, combined with the young core of Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith, creates space for Claxton to come in and provide mentorship and veteran poise.

Additionally, Claxton will be alongside fellow veteran Norman Powell, who provides some solid wing defense.

The Bulls are in the midst of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.