Danny Wolf is preparing for a potentially larger role with the Brooklyn Nets this upcoming season, a prospect that has become more tangible following the trade of starting center Nic Claxton.
Wolf, who is entering his second year, acknowledged Claxton's departure as a loss for the team's locker room but expressed readiness to adapt to any role assigned to him. "Obviously, it sucks to see Clax go," Wolf said Tuesday. "He was one of the leaders of our locker room, a great voice in our locker room, and he epitomized what it meant to be a Brooklyn Net. We’re sad, we’re gonna miss him."
The Nets acquired power forward Julius Randle and a first-round pick that became Joshua Jefferson in exchange for Claxton and a second-round pick. While Randle, Jefferson, and returning player Noah Clowney will add competition at the power forward position, Claxton's exit could open up more minutes for Wolf at center, where he would back up presumptive starter Day'Ron Sharpe.
Wolf spent the early part of the offseason focusing on physical conditioning after his rookie campaign was cut short by an ankle injury. He has gained nearly 10 pounds, now weighing 260 pounds, and is working to improve his strength, quickness, and finishing ability around the rim, as well as his three-point consistency.
"Starting with my body getting stronger or getting quicker, getting my ankle right. And just even playing now, I’ve never felt more in control or on balance or stronger," Wolf stated. "And then with that, I’d say my finishing and my 3-point consistency. And I’m shooting the best I’ve shot it, and I feel like I’m finishing the best I’ve finished."
During his rookie season, Wolf showcased his versatility, playing across the frontcourt and even taking on point guard duties at times under Coach Jordi Fernández. He expressed comfort playing positions one through five.
"For sure. I played one through five this year," Wolf said. "There were games where Jordi, I went in the game being point guard. And there would be games where I went in as a five. And I feel comfortable all across the floor. The biggest thing for me is defense."
Wolf added that he felt comfortable switching onto guards and forwards last year and is now focused on developing the strength and confidence to defend centers. "I felt comfortable switching one through four last year. I thought I did it at a somewhat high level, and the next thing for me is just having that strength, that confidence to guard fives. And if that comes along, then who knows?"
Wolf also noted the value of learning from veteran centers like Claxton and Sharpe, who is entering his sixth NBA season. "You learn something new every day when you work here in the NBA," Wolf said. "Obviously you have Clax, who’s [spent] six or seven years in the league, and then Day Day is going into his sixth year, you learn from those guys every day."