Nets ultimate plan is to have Nic Claxton ready for season-opener

Nic Claxton gathered around several Nets teammates shooting free throws after practice Saturday. He wasn’t in full uniform but he was comfortable smiling and laughing after missing Tuesday’s preseason opener with hamstring soreness.

The mood added to good news that he’s closer to resume playing. Both Claxton and coach Jordi Fernandez said he’ll miss Monday’s game hosting the Wizards. However, the plan is for him to play in at least 1-2 preseason games ahead of the season opener Oct. 23

“I feel good, feel like I’m progressing,” Claxton said. “Feeling good and enjoying the journey.”

Claxton said the injury first occurred before training camp but flared up once camp began. He said it was minor and wasn’t worried, echoing what Fernandez said last week.

Fernandez added that Claxton participated in parts of practice Saturday. Whether he plays Wednesday at the 76ers or Friday hosting the Raptors, it won’t supersede the plan to have him ready in two weeks.

“Everything else that he’ll be able do, it’s going to be a bonus,” Fernandez said. “It’s going to be important for the group because we want to see him on the court.

Claxton, who re-signed a four-year, $100 million contract this summer, has been one of the more durable Nets over the past two years. He’s played in 147 of 164 possible regular season games. He watched Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers and was mostly pleased, especially with Ziaire Williams’ play and how the Nets hope to look under Fernandez.

“We started slow but you can see how we want to play,” Claxton said. “Playing fast and being real scrappy on defense. So it’s kind of nice to be able to just sit down and watch and then just knowing the ways that I’ll be able to help when I get out on the court.”

Claxton’s health also became more important with Day’Ron Sharpe sidelined until November with a strained left hamstring. The Nets have just one healthy true center this preseason in Noah Clowney. Dorian Finney-Smith started at center Tuesday.

However, neither Claxton nor Fernandez were worried about long-term concerns. For now, the Nets are staying cautious that Claxton will play sometime next week to get ready for the regular season.

“That’s the plan,” Claxton said. “I want to play Monday but that’s the plan.”

Nets reflect on Vince Carter induction into HOF

Former Nets and Raptors forward Vince Carter will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Sunday. For the current Nets, it represented a childhood fave being honored.

Claxton marveled at his career longevity of playing an NBA-record 22 seasons. For Cam Johnson, he’s one of the few Nets that played against him when his rookie season in 2019-20 coincided with Carter’s final season.

“Mr. Incredible, right there. Half-man, half-amazing,” Johnson said. “Just an unreal athlete all the way and it was cool to be able to play against him early in my career. Just because that was somebody I grew up watching.“That’s one of most talented, athletic dudes to ever play the game.”

By Evan Barnes

evan.barnes@newsday.comevan_b

Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.