The Portland Trail Blazers selected Donovan Clingan with the seventh pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
After winning a national championship with UConn as a freshman, Clingan decided to run things back before entering the NBA draft. That resulted in another ring for him, and he became one of the top prospects for many teams. He averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks in just 22.5 minutes per game this past season, which were significant improvements after he played just 13.1 minutes per game as a freshman. Clingan measured in at nearly 7’2” at the combine, and he should be able to contribute on the defensive end immediately as a bigger body that can provide a different look to slow down some of the league’s elite centers. Portland has two centers under contract, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams, so the Clingan selection may mean one (or both) of those veterans is on the way out. If that happens, the former UConn standout will have value in redraft leagues; both staying would make Clingan more of an option in dynasty leagues.
