The Claxton File
- 31st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft
- One Second-team All-SEC (coaches) selection, 2019
- Signed a two-year, $17.25 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets before the 2022-'23 NBA season
Claxton a Fool
There are a lot of reasons for Brooklyn Nets fans to be excited about center Nic Claxton. Shooting free throws isn't one of them.
As NBC Sports put it, "You've heard of Hack-a-Shaq, now get ready for Hack-a-Clax."
The joke refers to a strategy of fouling Shaquille O'Neal before he could inflict damage on your team's center and rim. It epitomized in a playoff game in which O'Neal missed nine consecutive free throws before his first make.
Claxton, in an Eastern Conference quarterfinals contest against the Boston Celtics, shattered Shaq's record, and likely his own confidence. He missed a new record 10 straight from the charity stripe.
The Nets could not survive his futile free throws, though they were hardly the only issue at hand. The playoff loss may have motivated him to become a better shooter, but his record will last in perpetuity until another ill-fated shooter comes along.