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Nets’ Noah Clowney Faces Crucial Contract Year in Brooklyn
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- Nets’ Noah Clowney Faces Crucial Contract Year in Brooklyn
(John Jones/Imagn Images)
Noah Clowney is entering a pivotal season with the Brooklyn Nets , and after missing out on a contract extension, he has plenty of motivation to prove himself.
The Nets passed on offering Clowney a rookie-scale contract extension before last Monday's deadline, setting the stage for the 22-year-old forward to become a restricted free agent next summer. He will have to earn his next contract on the court, and his role in Brooklyn could look different from what it did a year ago.
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Clowney is coming off a season in which he averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 66 games, including 60 starts. He showed flashes of the player he could become, but his shooting efficiency left room for improvement. Now, with a new season underway, he faces a different challenge.
The Nets acquired Julius Randle during the offseason, adding another established forward alongside Michael Porter Jr. With Randle starting at power forward, Clowney is expected to come off the bench much more often. He will have fewer minutes to work with and may not get as many opportunities to handle the ball, making it important to find ways to contribute whenever he is on the floor.
Clowney seems to understand what's expected of him, even if the adjustment takes some time.
"We're professionals. You should be able to adjust to a new role," Clowney said when discussing the possibility of playing fewer minutes. He acknowledged that it might take a few games to get comfortable, but he isn't treating the change as a major concern.
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That mindset will be important throughout the season. Brooklyn doesn't need Clowney to put up the same numbers he did as a starter. The Nets need him to defend, rebound, knock down open shots, and bring energy off the bench. If he can do those things consistently, he should remain an important part of Jordi Fernández's rotation.
Fernández has already made it clear that consistency is what he wants to see from the young forward.
"Yeah, I've seen consistency from him, and that's the key. If he can provide that to the group, Noah is going to help us win a lot of games," Fernández said.
The Nets still like what Clowney brings to the table. His length, shooting ability and knack for getting to the free-throw line give him an intriguing combination of skills for a 22-year-old forward. The next step is putting everything together on a more consistent basis, particularly on the glass and defensively.
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While the lack of an extension might be disappointing, Clowney shouldn't assume his future in Brooklyn is in jeopardy. The Nets have other decisions to make with their roster, and neither Randle nor Porter necessarily has to be a long-term fixture with the team.
If either forward moves on in the coming seasons, Clowney could have another chance to earn a starting spot. Of course, that depends on how he performs and how Brooklyn's roster develops, but his current role doesn't have to define the rest of his career with the organization.
For now, Clowney has to focus on the season in front of him. Restricted free agency gives him a chance to see what other teams are willing to offer, while Brooklyn will retain the right to match an offer sheet he signs elsewhere. A strong campaign could put him in a much better position when those negotiations arrive next summer.
Improving his rebounding, becoming more efficient offensively, and showing that he can defend consistently would all help his case. He doesn't necessarily need to force shots or chase numbers to make an impression. Playing within the offense and making an impact in his minutes could go a long way toward showing the Nets that he's worth keeping around.
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Brooklyn's decision not to extend Clowney doesn't mean the organization has given up on him. Fernández has spoken positively about his potential, and the Nets still have reasons to believe he can be a valuable part of their future.
Clowney has already shown he can handle a starting role, as evidenced by his 60 starts last season. Now he has to prove he can contribute just as effectively coming off the bench.
His contract situation adds another layer of importance to the season, but it doesn't have to be a distraction. If he embraces his new role and puts together a productive year, he could make a strong case for a new deal with Brooklyn.
The starting job might not be his right now, but that doesn't mean it won't be again. Clowney has a lot to play for this season, and how he responds to the change could go a long way toward determining what comes next.
