NBA Draft 2019 Prospect Watch: Nicolas Claxton

Weaknesses

What makes Claxton so intriguing from a defensive standpoint, is also the reason why there is some pause for a long-term projection. Being able to switch so fluidly onto guards and wings usually means you have a body-type that relies on finesse and athleticism, and less on just sheer physical strength.

Weighing in at only 217 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine means Claxton’s strength needs to try to keep up with his length. Larger NBA big men will put a shoulder into his chest and the lane will open up. Of the aforementioned Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Rudy Gobert, and Clint Capela, none of these four would have any problem with moving Claxton off of his spot to get to where they want to go.

As with many NBA draft prospects, many of whom are still teenagers, there generally is a belief that an NBA strength program will be far more beneficial to their physical development in their rookie year, then spending another year in college “getting stronger”.

If Claxton can add 15-20 pounds of good weight, by his second or third year in the league, he’ll at least have the physical makeup to withstand the pounding of NBA big men.

An additional weakness to mention just comes from a perceived lack of physicality and toughness. As mentioned in the strengths section, Claxton usually played like a 7-foot guard or a wing. At times, he would look to avoid contact more than the standard 7-foot big man. Centers in the league that rely on finesse, must still maintain a degree of physicality in order to deal with the larger bodies. In college, you can certainly achieve great things as a 7-foot finesse player, however any sign of a lack of physicality will always be exposed at the next level.

Claxton will need to either ramp up his physicality and/or make major strides in the weight room before he can be trusted with guarding some of the best NBA big men.