Apr 3, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

'I Expect Him to Have a Career Year' – Brooklyn Nets Coach Has Optimistic 2025-26 Outlook for Rising Star

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 10:52 AM ET

Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton recently revealed in his media availability that staying healthy is his main goal for the 2025-26 NBA season. The former 31st overall pick struggled with a back injury last campaign, which played a role in his steady decline.

Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 56.3 percent shooting from the field across 70 regular season appearances for the Brooklyn Nets, a far cry from his career year in 2022-23.

“We all know last year was frustrating for the team, frustrating for myself. I didn’t perform how I wanted to. I really just flushed that out and focused back on the work. Just consistency, being in the gym every day, being with family, it was healing. I’m excited for this season… I feel really good, and I’m ready to get to it,” Claxton said on Media Day.

Nov 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) rebounds against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“I’m not making any excuses, but it’s been different every year since I’ve been here. So I’m always adjusting, I’m always adapting,” he continued. “But I had a really good summer, so I definitely think that this year I’ll be able to get back to playing on that (2022-23) level consistently. That’s my goal going into the season.”

Brooklyn Nets News: Jordi Fernandez has high expectations for Nic Claxton in 2025-26

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez believes that Nic Claxton has yet to reach his full potential, and the 2025-26 NBA campaign could be the year where he can put it all together.

Dec 14, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

“I expect Nic to have a career year and to be better,” Fernandez said. “I think that dealing with some lower back issues (last season), this summer he’s looked amazing, he’s put his work in, he’s been working on his shot. How committed he’s been throughout the whole summer, I believe it’s gonna help Nic take the next step.”

The Brooklyn Nets have been fairly busy this offseason. Besides their productive 2025 NBA Draft, the team managed to keep Day’Ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas, and Ziaire Williams while acquiring Haywood Highsmith, Michael Porter Jr. , Terance Mann, and Kobe Bufkin.