Why Nets fans should be clamoring for more of their promising prospect

The 2023–2024 season could not conclude soon enough for most Brooklyn Nets fans, but they did receive some reason to remain optimistic. Noah Clowney’s final few games were not perfect, but the rookie’s athleticism and confidence should excite a fan base hoping for progress.

 After spending much of the season with Brooklyn’s Long Island affiliate, Clowney made his second career start in the Nets final home game of the year. The former 21st overall pick posted 10 points, seven blocks, and seven rebounds in a win over the Raptors last week. Clowney’s seven blocks made him the 12th teenager in NBA history to have at least seven blocks in a single game. 

““He’s shown growth so fast,” Nets forward Mikal Bridges told the New York Post. “Like I said, when he first got thrown out there, he’s understanding everything and playing really well and playing hard. He’s doing an unbelievable job right now.” 

Why Brooklyn Nets fans should be excited by Noah Clowney

The 19-year-old forward is 6’10 and weighs 276 lbs. His lanky build makes it extremely difficult for defenders to keep in front of him. While he’s still filling out and trying to improve his jumper and form a consistent ability to finish at the rim, there is reason to believe that he and center Nic Claxton could form a formidable tandem.

““He’s a catalyst for us on the defensive side of the ball,” Nic Claxton told the New York Post “He’s talking. I hear him out there. I’m also trying to be as vocal as I can be. It’s a good look for us.”

Of course, any talk of a long-lasting duo comes with the assumption that the Nets will find a way to keep Claxton long-term. It remains to be seen what general manager Sean Marks and the rest of Brooklyn’s front office will decide to do this summer, but if both players remain with the franchise, their offensive growth could become paramount.

This is especially true for Clowney, who ended the year shooting roughly 36% from a distance. Brooklyn was 23rd in offensive rating this past season, and could stand to improve in that department. 

Clowney has already shown confidence on the defensive end, and it’s that same swagger that could help him evolve his game and contribute more points in the long run. The idea of a solid offseason in the gym should excite Nets fans as the 19-year old continues to come into his own.