Noah Clowney’s best performance of the season during a sudden start

Player development is at the top of the Brooklyn Nets’ priority list this season. As an NBA-record five first-round rookie picks lead the team’s rebuilding season, several other young prospects are also under the microscope.

Among them is third-year forward Noah Clowney.

After a disappointing start to the season, the 2023 first-round pick got a surprise start during Monday’s 125-109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in place of Michael Porter Jr., who missed the game for personal reasons. Clowney had a season-best 15 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes.

“I’m really proud of Noah for how aggressive he was and how he played,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “That’s the Noah we want, the fight and the physicality. I thought he did very well.”

In the midst of his inauspicious start to the year, Clowney had a one-on-one with Fernandez on Monday morning.

Noah Clowney is trying to solidify the future of the Nets after an injury-riddled second season

The 21-year-old said his head coach had a simple message ahead of his first start of the season.

“Just play hard,” Clowney said of his presentation from the meeting. “And that was my mindset, to play hard and not think about other things. … I was shooting the same shots, but I was able to engage defensively, and I think the shots fell because I was more locked in.”

While Clowney had better results against the Timberwolves, his offensive efficiency remains a concern. On Monday, he shot 5 of 14 from the field and 4 of 12 from three. For the season, he is shooting just 12 of 44 (27.3 percent) from the field and 8 of 34 (23.5 percent) from three.

Clowney’s limitations as a ball handler and shot creator were the main focus of his offseason. Just 29.8 percent of the 6-foot-9 forward’s field goal attempts last season were two-pointers, and he made 41.4 percent. Those numbers dipped early this season, as he attempted 22.7 percent of his shots from two, making just 40.0 percent.

After missing half of last season with ankle injuries, Clowney should have an extended leash in Brooklyn’s rotation. The rebuilding team has already picked up its team option for next season. however, The Nets also have a rookie in the first round, Danny Wolfwho should get minutes in the frontcourt as the year progresses.