Brooklyn Nets heart Nic Claxton obtained an epidural final week for a again damage that saved him sidelined for 3 video games. He returned in Friday’s 113-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, however admitted the damage can be “long-term” and can must be managed all through the season.
“Everyone seems to be at all times coping with one thing, however this I am going to most likely be coping with for some time. I can’t give a date, however it can take time,” Claxton mentioned.
Claxton, who signed a four-year, $97 million contract this offseason, mentioned the again damage persists after initially struggling it over the summer season. The 25-year-old additionally injured his hamstring throughout coaching camp, inflicting him to overlook the preseason.
Nic Claxton’s function with Nets fluctuates whereas battling nagging again damage
Claxton got here off the bench in opposition to Philadelphia as a consequence of a minutes restriction. He had 12 factors, eight rebounds and three assists on 6-of-9 taking pictures and was the group’s finest +2 in 22 minutes.
The sixth-year heart has alternated between the bench and beginning lineup this season because the Nets try to take care of his accidents. He got here off the bench in Brooklyn’s first eight video games whereas growing his minutes. He then changed Ben Simmons within the beginning unit for a three-game stretch.
Whereas his newest again downside landed him again on the Nets bench, Claxton mentioned the fluctuating function did not have an effect on him.
“Each time you step on the courtroom, we’re basketball gamers, so we simply should make baskets,” he mentioned. “I imply, it is totally different beginning and coming off the bench, however it doesn’t matter what the coaches need, we each have [myself and Simmons] I simply should adapt and be able to play.
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Because the Nets eye a high draft choose, they are going to probably take a cautious strategy to accidents because the season progresses. Head coach Jordi Fernández wouldn’t prolong to the extent of Claxton’s again ache.
Whereas Brooklyn’s efficiency group deemed the middle wholesome sufficient to play, the coach mentioned the choice whether or not to take the ground was in the end as much as the participant.
“The group, the medical group and the efficiency, they took care of it. And clearly, if he performs, it is as a result of we consider he is 100% or 200% [ready] play,” Fernandez mentioned. “As , bumps and bruises on this league are a part of the enterprise, however he is fantastic… For us, it is [about] the fellows really feel good. We will inform them that you’re clear on our facet, however then the gamers should consider it… Additionally they should make the choice. So as soon as he performs, he is wholesome to play.
