When Jordi Fernández was introduced as head coach two summers ago , he boldly predicted that Nic Claxton could one day become a Defensive Player of the Year. Four games into this season, that vision still feels far from reality.

Claxton, the longest-tenured Net, continues to search for consistency as a rim protector, just as the team as a whole has struggled to find its defensive identity. He’s yet to record a block entering Wednesday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn has been bullied inside, allowing 55.5 points in the paint per game. That’s tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for 25th in the NBA.

The 26-year-old’s defensive rating of 142.9 is the worst on the team through four games, and if the Nets are going to steady themselves defensively, it starts with him, their vete

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