Noah Clowney, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, continues to be one of the youngest players in the NBA, offering significant potential for the Brooklyn Nets. Despite his age, Clowney is younger than many of those selected in the recent 2025 NBA Draft. Having bulked up considerably over the summer, he has emphasized his skills that first attracted attention towards the end of the 2023-24 season, where he showcased his ability to hit three-pointers and block shots impressively.
However, as the current season unfolds, Clowney’s performance has not matched expectations, with little impact noted thus far. His head coach, David Fernández, remains supportive, highlighting Clowney’s physical improvements and the praise he’s received for his work ethic. After a recent practice, Fernández expressed satisfaction with Clowney’s potential, although he acknowledged the need for more impactful plays on the court.
Clowney’s numbers, however, paint a different picture. Averaging just 5.2 points per game after five games, his shooting percentages have dipped significantly, hitting only 25% of his shots. This decline from the previous season has caused disappointment among Nets fans who were hopeful for a breakout performance this year. Fernández pointed out that while Clowney’s shooting has not been fruitful, he remains confident that the right shots will start falling.
The team’s recent challenges, including the departure of Dariq Whithead and uncertainty regarding Cam Thomas’s future with the franchise, have further underscored the need for Clowney to step up. The Nets’ rookie players have also struggled, making Clowney’s development even more critical.
Fernández has urged Clowney to maintain his confidence on offense, encouraging him to keep shooting without overthinking his game. However, the coaching staff has indicated that defense has been an area of concern. Fernández noted that Clowney’s recent efforts have shown improvement in this regard, which is essential for his overall contribution to the team’s success.
Ultimately, Fernández emphasized Clowney’s value to the Nets, stating, “We need Noah. Noah is a big presence for our team,” highlighting his toughness, size, and potential for making winning plays. As the season continues, Clowney’s growth will be crucial for the Nets, especially as they navigate the ups and downs of their roster dynamics. The hope remains that he will find his rhythm, enhancing both his game and the team’s overall performance.