Nets' Nic Claxton explains maintaining positive mindset amidst rebuild

NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton was one of the few veterans on the team that had to understand the purpose of this season as it pertains to the rebuild. Brooklyn asked Claxton to not only be productive on the court, but to be a mentor no matter how much losing occurred and he explained how he maintained his positive mindset during a 20-62 campaign.

"You can’t let it affect your preparation and your mindset going into the games. Even this year, I struggled with that some. Going into games, you have to go in with the mindset [that] we’re going to win this game," Claxton said during his exit interview prior to the end of the season. Since Claxton's first season with the team in 2019-20, this past season was the worst campaign for Brooklyn, illustrating how much mental fortitude was needed.

"But, as far as wins and losses, I get what Jordi’s saying. It doesn’t always come with the scoreboard," Claxton continued. "It can be seeing our rookies, seeing them go out and spread their wings and gain confidence out there on the court, which we’ve seen throughout the season. It can [also] be me maturing and finding that peace within myself no matter what’s going on out there on the court and helping guys out, telling them what I see."

Claxton, 27, ended the 2025-26 season with averages of 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 57.1% from the field and 61.6% from the free-throw line. While Claxton's averages were around what he has put up for his career, it became clear early on that his passing and ball-handling had gotten to the point that he could be one of the primary playmakers for head coach Jordi Fernandez.

While the Nets were trying to develop as many of the young players as possible, including the five rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn still needed veterans like Claxton and forward Michael Porter Jr. to show the way through their play. Claxton had to do his job during a season where wins and losses weren't the main factor and he took the time to explain how he shifted his mindset along the way.