How Noah Clowney Becomes an Integral Part of the Nets During the Watering Season

ByNBAUSA


Noah Clowney’s performance last season raised questions about his future with Brooklyn Nets. After his injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign in which he shot 35.8 percent from the field, it was unclear whether Clowney would be a foundation block or a future roster casualty like fellow 2023 first-rounder Darrick Whitehead.

The third-year forward put those questions to rest early this season.

Clowney is playing the best basketball of his young career after moving into Brooklyn’s starting lineup. Over his last 10 appearances, the 21-year-old is averaging 16.7 points per game on 45/37/79 shooting. He scored a career-high 31 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, 7-of-13 from three and 6-of-6 from the free throw line during Monday’s 113-100 loss to the New York Knicks.

“We play through him,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “He scored 31 points in 39 minutes and was a plus-one. … That just tells you the impact he had in this game when he was on the court. His presence was great, and I can see in his face how stiff he is, how his shot looks, all that stuff. You start to see the growth. … I’m really, really proud of him and it was a good challenge for him. don’t just feel good about it.”

For a player with obvious limitations over his first two seasons, Clowney’s vast improvement on the offensive end has been tremendous.

A rejuvenated Noah Clowney is enjoying an offensive breakthrough with the rebuilding Nets

Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) dribbles past Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena.
Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

The 2023 first-round pick posted a 63.3 true shooting percentage over Brooklyn’s last 10 games. That ranks 22nd among the 108 players who have attempted over 10 shots per game during that span. His sudden improvement as a driver has been the driving force behind his offensive efficiency.

Clowney was extremely limited outside of the three-point range last season, making just 41.4 percent of his two-point attempts. However, after an offseason spent adding muscle and improving his ball handling and finishing, the 6-foot-9 forward is shooting 56.8 percent from two-pointers this season.

“He spent the summer working on his drives, his decision making, using his body, and you can see it right now. He’s playing like a grown man at 21 years old,” Fernandez said. “He drives and shoots. He wins on defense. And I think he told you that a few days ago, ‘I just want to put together a full game and play both ends.’ And he did it. He makes all these winning plays (with) his effort.”

Clowney puts on his extra muscles to use on their plants. The Alabama product made up for his rudimentary handle by consistently creating space with shoulder bumps in the lane. He’s becoming more adept at drawing fouls, attempting 6.7 free throws per 100 possessions compared to 3.8 last season.

“(I feel) very (comfortable). I’m just trying to be aggressive. It helps me, it helps my teammates. That’s really it,” Clowney said.

While Clowney struggled as a three-point shooter early this season, defenders continue to respect his outside shot, offering him opportunities to attack from close and penetrate. Shooting performances like Monday’s (7-of-13 from three) will go a long way toward maximizing those openings.

“Trying to keep a defender honest is a big deal,” Clowney said. “They have to close, and if they close too far, (I can attack). I think I just have to work on reading what they’re giving me. I think they gave me a lot of shots tonight. I shot a lot of them. (I took) 13 3-pointers. When I got up the night before (seven 3-pointers) and a lot of them weren’t like great shots.

Clowney’s defense left a lot to be desired early this season. However, he has shown improvement of late after being challenged by Fernandez. With the Nets’ centers playing aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, Clowney was often tasked with protecting the paint on low rotations.

Brooklyn allowed a league-worst 59.1 points per night during his first 11 games. However, the rebuilding team has allowed 42.7 per night over its last six games, the third-fewest in the NBA.

Clowney’s two-way impact since breaking into the starting lineup has fueled the Nets’ recent improvement. A big man has announced +14.4 net rating this season, 10th highest among 135 players who played over 400 minutes.

Clowney’s high-level play was the main upside of Brooklyn’s ugly 3-14 start. While he has a ways to go, the rise of the young big man has bolstered his long-term outlook.

Clowney’s further development would be a feather in the cap for a Nets coaching staff trying to develop an NBA record five rookie first-round picks.





2025-11-26 18:47:00

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