Trying to change a narrative isn’t always easy, especially an NBA narrative.
Nic Claxton took his shot on Monday.
When the Bulls acquired the big man from Brooklyn, he came with a “handle with care” sign on his back, referring to the reported back issues he had been dealing with the previous two seasons.
After all, Claxton looked to be an up-and-comer during the 2022-23 season, averaging 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game and then followed that up with a 2023-24 campaign of 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
Then it dipped.
The scoring dropped to just over 10 per game, the rebounds down to 7.4 and the blocks 1.4. That’s also when the back flared up and made life tough for the center – for a year. That’s what he wanted to clear up during the Bulls’ media day.
Yes, he had a back issue during the 2024-25 season, but last year was more about Brooklyn in tank mode and messing with his minutes to make sure the mission to drop in the standings was carried out correctly.
“A couple years ago it really bothered me but last year it wasn’t a problem,” Claxton said. “It’s not a problem, now. I figured out my body, figured out what I need to do to stay on top of it, so I’m good to go.”
So what was last season?
Tanking 101
“Obviously yeah,” Claxton said, when asked if tanking can mess with a player’s game. “Especially last year, you prepare. You prepare to be the best version of yourself every single night and sometimes if your minutes are cut or the organization has a different agenda it can affect you. But at the end of the day, I’ve got to be a professional and be the best version of myself. I had a great time in Brooklyn and I’m excited to be here in Chicago.”
That’s because he knew his time with the Nets was basically over.
“I was in Brooklyn for seven years, so this is my first time being in a new city, meeting new media members, so it’s fun for me,” Claxton said. “It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation but I know it’s going to bring out the best in me. As far as the trade, I expected something to happen. It was time. It was time for both sides to move on.”
Off and running
Josh Giddey underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a lingering right ankle issue last May and confirmed on Monday that he had been cleared for full-go runs and practices since the start of the month.
Good news for the point guard because with high-flying athletic wings like Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, both tires need to be working.
“I think it’s my job to put guys in position to be successful,” Giddey said. “We’ve got a lot of different weapons, whether it’s Claxton a lob threat, we’ve got Norm (Normal Powell) who can shoot the ball from anywhere, we’ve got big wings that are elite in transition in Matas and Caleb.
“These guys (Buzelis and Wilson) are obviously elite getting downhill in transition, both extreme athletes that can get above the rim, so it’s kind of a point guard’s dream to have those guys running the wing and kicking it ahead to them.”
Being cautious
According to coach Tiago Splitter, the only Bulls player on the roster that might not be ready for a full day of practice with fall camp opening up on Tuesday was Zach Collins. The reserve center is dealing with a “soft tissue” issue that could slow him down at the start.