The Chicago Bulls are entering a rebuilding year next season. For the first time in what feels like a long time, they have a concrete direction. They want to build around Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis while also taking swings on decent assets. Nicolas Claxton is one of those assets. And Josh Giddey can help him revive his trade value next season.
At one point in time, Claxton was one of the NBA’s up-and-coming defenders. When he was playing for the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden-led Brooklyn Nets, he had all the potential in the world. Since then, his play has diminished. This summer, the Bulls traded for him, effectively giving up nothing. He’s not exactly a great asset right now.
But playing next to a guy like Giddey – one of the better playmakers in today’s game – can help Claxton get back to the point where his value is positive again.
Josh Giddey can help Nicolas Claxton revive his value
Obviously, defense is where Claxton hangs his hat. Playing well on that side of the ball is how he will stay on the floor, but he also needs to be an efficient offensive player as well.
Last year, he played okay on offense, particularly as a playmaker, but it hasn’t been ideal. Unfortunately, the Nets haven’t exactly had the teams to help Claxton thrive on that end.
Brooklyn hasn’t had great ball-handlers. The Nets haven’t had guys who can draw attention from defenses, giving Claxton room to work. That’s what he needs to be at his best.
He’s a role player. He plays off other guys’ gravity. He doesn’t exactly create it himself. But with Giddey’s playmaking, he should be able to be his best self on offense again.
All bigs need a great point guard. Or at least, a great offensive creator. Claxton hasn’t had that in Brooklyn for the last couple of years, as the Nets have been in a full-on rebuild.
He’s been stuck there, just trying to figure things out as best he can within the flow of their offense. But now, with the new-look Bulls, that should change. And Giddey is the biggest reason why.
His passing is elite. He can set up an offense at a high, high level. That should really help Claxton improve on the offensive end. And from there, his value around the league should really get better.
It’s going to be a much better situation for Claxton.
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