Noah Clowney’s Sophomore Season: A Work in Progress for Brooklyn Nets

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Noah Clowney, the Brooklyn Nets‘ 20-year-old forward, is navigating the ups and downs of his sophomore NBA season, showing flashes of potential while still finding his footing in the league. After a promising end to his rookie campaign, Clowney has become a focal point of the Nets’ rebuilding efforts, but his development remains a work in progress.

Clowney, who turned heads with his 3-point shooting and shot-blocking during the final weeks of the 2023-24 season, has seen his role expand this year. However, his performance has been inconsistent, reflecting the challenges of adapting to the NBA at such a young age. Through 26 appearances and 537 minutes this season, Clowney has shown growth in some areas while struggling in others.

“There’s no better development than playing real minutes,” said Nets head coach Jordi Fernández. “That’s the best coaching that you can have, right?”

One of Clowney’s most notable improvements has been his 3-point shooting. After shooting just 28.3% from deep in his lone college season at the University of Alabama, he is now hitting 38% on nine attempts per 100 possessions. Against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, he went 3-of-10 from beyond the arc, showcasing his willingness to take and make shots from distance.

However, Clowney’s offensive game remains limited. While his shooting has improved, he has yet to develop a reliable inside-the-arc game. His lack of upper-body strength and explosiveness has made it difficult for him to finish at the rim, a challenge that could take years to overcome. “He’ll get stronger, but his issues as an interior presence go beyond a youthful lack of muscle,” said one analyst.

Defensively, Clowney has shown promise but has also regressed in some areas. His block rate has dropped significantly from his rookie season, and the Nets’ defense has struggled with him on the court. Still, his lateral quickness and ability to guard taller creators like Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram have been bright spots.

“I think Noah is a kid that — he takes it in, he cares, and then he comes back and he tries to do better,” said Fernández. “And that’s why I think he’s special, and I think that’s why he’ll play in this league for a long, long, long time.”

As the Nets continue their rebuild, Clowney’s development will remain a key storyline. While he may not yet be the player fans hoped for after his late-season surge as a rookie, his progress suggests a bright future. For now, the focus is on patience and the long-term vision for the young forward.