Nic Claxton has been a huge part of the Brooklyn Nets resurgence. Claxton is delivering solid play on offense, but he's really shining on the defensive end of the floor. That has Claxton thinking big about what might come later this season.

“Honestly, I feel that I am one of the best defenders in the league. I feel I should be in the top for the Defensive Player of the Year," Claxton said. "I feel like I wasn’t getting the respect I deserve. We’re winning, my numbers are good protecting the rim, guarding 1 through 5."

The Nets are on a five-game win streak and have moved up to fourth in the Eastern Conference. During that run, Brooklyn's defense has improved to 12th in the league, after starting the year ranked in the bottom third.

On the season, Claxton is averaging 2.3 blocks per game, which ranks second in the NBA. He's also averaging career-highs at 11.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, while leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 74%.