Last season, Nic Claxton placed ninth in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year voting. For my money, he should have been five spots higher. Amidst a down 2024 by his lofty standards, a change of scenery could be beneficial. If the sputtering Nets are willing to part with Claxton, his defense could be a missing piece in New Orleans.
If there’s any friction between Claxton and the Pelicans, it will be defensive fit. Claxton sports elite defensive versatility, switching out onto the perimeter and rotating to protect the rim. He’s struggled in drop coverage this season, and his positioning and activity are not as sharp as last season. New Orleans isn’t a switch-heavy team, so there might be an adjustment period if Claxton came to the Pelicans.
Brooklyn asks Claxton to anchor their defense, a role he wouldn’t have to play in New Orleans. With defenders like Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels insulating him, Claxton returning to form and honing on his elite defensive skills seems plausible.
As I’ve discussed previously, the Pelicans’ lack of a rim-protecting big is a major weakness. Slashing-focused teams have little trouble scoring in the paint at times and Claxton would cover that. His ground coverage and instincts are elite, protecting the rim with great length and athleticism. Pairing him and Jones, two of the league’s best off-ball defenders, could help the Pelicans stymie even elite offenses.
Similar to Larry Nance Jr., Jonas Valanciunas’s size and strength cover for some of Claxton’s weaknesses. Against burlier teams, Valanciunas would handle matchups Claxton struggles with and vice versa against smaller, quicker teams.
Offensively, Claxton would add a new dimension to the Pelicans’ assist-heavy offense. A valuable dribble-handoff big, New Orleans is better suited to unlock his offense than Brooklyn is; the Pelicans pass the ball more than all but three teams in the NBA. Claxton feigns dribble handoffs to attack the rim with his great handle, driving to score and pass out of his drives. He’s a great passer out of the post, dotting up defenses when the help comes over.
The Pelicans would have to be even more diligent with their spacing and lineups given Claxton’s shooting limitations. But in a perimeter-heavy, downhill-oriented offense, Claxton’s speed and agility would shine. Adding a true ball-handling big could mean easier shots for shooters like Trey Murphy and Jordan Hawkins, aiding in their endless movement around the court.
Ultimately, Claxton would be a luxury addition to this edition of the Pelicans. He must adapt defensively and some matchups may be untenable, but he greatly raises the ceiling of what New Orleans can do on offense and defense. If the price is reasonable, Claxton would be a good addition. Dynamic defensive playmakers like him don’t come around often, especially for a discount.
Analysis by Ben Pfeifer
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You failed to mention any trade scenarios. Right now the 11 who get significant playing time are in sync. Who would you unload? Claxton could help but since his return from injury LNJ has proved to be invaluable. Since play in tournament Pels are number 1 in DRTG, number 1 in NTRG, number 4 in ORTG, best 3 point shooting, number 3 in steals and number 4 in rebounding. I agree Claxton could help but what is working right now I’d keep it status quo. Of course injuries could change all that. Let’s hope we stay healthy to a reasonable degree.
GEAUX PELS!!!
Agree with NOH. To acquire Claxton, you might have to give up DD and LNJ(which might be OK, but obviously you can’t pair Claxton with them in that scenario).