The Brooklyn Nets are struggling badly on the defensive end, ranking last in the league in defensive efficiency, and head coach Jordi Fernández believes the team needs center Nic Claxton to raise his level of play, according to C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News.
“It’s very simple. I mean, Nic is a very good defender. He’s not happy,” Fernández said. “He has high standards and he’s hard on himself … We’re all together here. I believe in him.”
Fernández pointed out that the Nets went through strong stretches last season when both their offense and defense clicked, emphasizing that getting back to that level requires commitment and patience.
“We had a great stretch last year when we were high level offensively, and right now we’re not,” he added. “So, continuity, work together, believe in each other; all those things are important.”
The coach expressed confidence in Claxton’s ability to anchor the defense and return to form.
“We know he’s a great rim protector. We know he can get deflections. We know he can run the floor. We know he can rebound,” Fernández said. “So those things I believe he can do. And he believes.”
The Nets want Noah Clowney to keep shooting despite a rough start, plus more from Brooklyn. https://t.co/JSqQgKvGQG
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 1, 2025
