The Detroit Pistons are reportedly eyeing Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, a move that could significantly bolster their frontcourt. Claxton, who played 71 games last season, posted impressive stats with 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game on 63% shooting. His addition could provide the Pistons with one of the strongest center rotations in the league for the 2024-25 season.
This potential acquisition of Nic Claxton raises a series of thought-provoking questions and presents a strategic puzzle for the Pistons: Is the potential impact of Claxton on the team worth the $80-100 million he is expected to command in free agency? What could be the ripple effect of his presence on Jalen Duren and the rest of the team? And, importantly, what are the intriguing pros and cons of bringing Claxton to Detroit? These uncertainties add a layer of intrigue to the potential acquisition and stimulate curiosity about the team’s future direction.
The Pistons already had a solid center rotation with Duren and James Wiseman. However, head coach Monty Williams should have utilized Wiseman, the 2020 2nd overall pick. Integrating Claxton into the lineup could change the dynamic, offering new opportunities and challenges. Claxton’s defensive prowess and rebounding could complement Duren’s game. It questions Duren’s development and how the team will manage his minutes and roles.
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History Repeating Itself?
The Pistons acquired Jalen Duren during the 2022 NBA draft, and he instantly became a pivotal piece in the Pistons’ roster construction. During Duren’s second season with the Pistons, he averaged 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 61% shooting. He ranked 5th in rebounds per game, in the top 15 in offensive and defensive rebounds, 9th in true shooting percentage (.653), 8th in offensive rebound percentage (11.8), and first in defensive rebound percentage (33.0). With work to be done on his game this summer, Duren has the potential to be a force.
Nic Claxton provides an aspect of the center position the Pistons haven’t had: Defense. Claxton was 8th in the NBA with total blocks and blocks per game. He was also in the top 10 in the 2-point and effective field goals. While Duren is still learning to be that impactful defender, Claxton changes the identity of a team that ranked near the bottom of every defensive category. After being the starting center for the Pistons this past season, how will Duren accept coming off the bench?
Better Option For Much Less?
If you believe Jalen Duren is the franchise center for this team, then Nic Claxton isn’t a valuable option. Looking at the center market, you can make a legitimate argument for other centers that can be valuable as a second option. If the goal is to add a veteran presence that can provide significant minutes, Jonas Valanciunas could be a worthwhile option. Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds in 82 games. His points and rebounds per game were the lowest since 2016-17 and 2018-19, respectively.
Despite that, Valanciunas posted his best defensive rating since his 2020-21 season with the Memphis Grizzlies (109.9). Valanciunas also is a capable three-point shooter despite shooting just 30% this past season. He will be the perfect mentor to Jalen Duren and provide a much-needed veteran presence in the locker room. Acquiring Valnciunas could also save 10-15 million towards the cap while being able to address other positional needs.
The Last Word
The potential acquisition of Nic Claxton by the Detroit Pistons is a strategic move that offers significant opportunities and notable challenges. Claxton’s defense and rebounding could make the Pistons’ frontcourt one of the league’s strongest. However, the implications for Jalen Duren’s development cannot be overlooked. Consider Claxton carefully: weigh immediate defensive benefits against Duren’s growth and overall team dynamics.
