Claxton’s Rim Protection Picks Up as Nets Await Saraf’s Status and Navigate Draft Stakes
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NEW YORK — Center Nic Claxton delivered a season-best four blocked shots in Brooklyn’s victory over Washington on Sunday, marking a turnaround after he failed to register a block in his first four games. The 24-year-old has recorded at least one rejection in each of his last nine appearances.
“Just getting back to myself,” Claxton said after the win. “The timing is slowly coming back, so I’ve been feeling good on the defensive side of the ball with where I’m where they want me.” Claxton is in the second season of a four-year, $97 million contract.
Rookie Saraf Sidelined
The Nets announced Monday that first-year guard Ben Saraf suffered a left ankle sprain while playing for the Long Island Nets on Saturday and will be reevaluated in 10 days. Selected 26th overall in June, Saraf opened the NBA season as Brooklyn’s starting point guard but shot just 21.7 percent over his first five games and subsequently moved to the G League.
Lottery Race Heats Up
Brooklyn’s 2-win start has fueled speculation about a potential draft push with highly regarded prospects Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa projected at the top of next year’s class. Despite the slow start, three teams currently own worse records, complicating the Nets’ path to favorable lottery odds.
November Schedule Quirk
The Nets remain within the Eastern Conference for the rest of the month; their next matchup against a Western Conference opponent is set for Dec. 4 versus Utah.
Source: Hoops Rumors
