Nic Claxton makes a strong case to bag DPOY: “I'm anchoring the defense every single night”

Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton wants respect for his ability on the defensive side of the ball. If Claxton continues to play at this level, it will be hard to argue against the talented big man's claim for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Throughout the first three seasons of his career, Claxton developed as a raw big man with an intriguing upside. In his fourth year with the Brooklyn Nets, Claxton has started to look like a potential building block for the Nets organization.

During the 2021-22 season, Claxton averaged 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 20.7 minutes of action. This season, Claxton is up to 11.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game in 28.5 minutes. He's also shooting an impressive 73.2% from the field.

While the Nets have superstars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the ranks, Claxton has started to make a name for himself as a versatile defender.

Still just 23 years old, Claxton has his eyes set on bringing home some prestigious NBA hardware. In a recent interview with Mike Scotto, Claxton said he believes he deserves to be at the top of the Defensive Player of the Year rankings.

“I’m defending one through five and neck and neck as the leading shot blocker. I’m doing everything on the defensive end for the team anchoring the defense every single night.”

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Nic Claxton starting to shine for Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been impressive during the 2022-23 season

The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA as of late. The team has won 14 of its last 17 games and finds itself in second place in the Eastern Conference.

There have been plenty of factors that have resulted in this turnaround for the Nets. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have been sensational.

But the Nets superstars haven't been the only players to step up their game. Nic Claxton has suddenly become one of the most impressive young centers in the league. In his last 13 games, Nic Claxton has averaged 12.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 3.6 blocks per game. During that same span, Claxton has shot 73.2% from the field.

The Nets have the talent to be a dangerous opponent, especially in the playoffs. If Claxton can continue to play at this level, it will give Brooklyn another dangerous wrinkle in their lineup.