Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton isn't just holding down the paint—he's expanding his game, and he's proud of it. The 27-year-old big man, who came into the NBA out of the University of Georgia, has become a reliable cornerstone for the Nets. But instead of resting on his reputation as a solid center, Claxton is pushing for more.

"I take a lot of pride in that, just exploring my game and just staying in love with the game, not getting bored with the process," Claxton shared during his exit interview in April. That mindset has paid off. This season, he made noticeable strides in his passing and free-throw shooting, turning him into a more efficient offensive weapon.

Claxton finished the 2025-26 season averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 57.1% from the field and a career-best 61.6% from the free-throw line. While his rebound numbers dipped slightly from previous years, he more than made up for it by elevating other parts of his game—especially his playmaking. Under head coach Jordi Fernandez, Claxton became a key facilitator, averaging the second-most assists on the team, just behind rookie Nolan Traore (3.8). For a near-seven-footer, that's a serious skill.

Claxton isn't done yet. "I already got a few things in my mind that I've written down that I want to really focus on this offseason and kind of continue to add to my game," he said. "I added a slow-step this past offseason. I was able to score a lot off of that, draw a lot of fouls getting downhill, and I got other things I want to just continue to add to my bag."

Despite playing through various injuries this season, Claxton found a way to improve. His commitment to growth is a reminder that even established players can keep evolving—and that's the kind of grind that translates to the court, and to the gear that helps you get there.