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the exception of getting Kyrie Irving his COVID-19 shot, the Nets may not have a more important item at the top of their to-do list for the start of the season than getting Nic Claxton in shape.

For a Brooklyn team coming to grips with the fact that without Irving they may not be able to simply score their way to a first-ever NBA title, maximizing Claxton’s athleticism and defense could be transformational.

And for the young big man, better conditioning spells better play.