Donovan Clingan, the 7th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from the University of Connecticut, has quickly become a standout for the Portland Trail Blazers during the NBA Summer League. Averaging an impressive 12.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game in just 25.7 minutes, Clingan’s NBA journey has captured attention with his robust performance.
Donovan Clingan’s NBA Journey with the Portland Trail Blazers
In the recent Blazer’s Edge Mailbag, discussions have centered around Clingan’s impact in the Summer League. While other players struggle to stand out, Clingan has emerged as the focal point of Portland’s summer campaign.
Clingan’s physical attributes match his hype. With a solid build and remarkable defensive instincts, he anticipates plays well and utilizes his long arms effectively to defend against opponents. Despite his strengths, his lateral movement remains a concern, especially defending stretch centers on the perimeter.
Offensively, Clingan is still finding his rhythm, shooting 27.6% from the field in Summer League games. However, experts remain optimistic about his potential to develop into a reliable interior scorer over time, akin to past successes like Robin Lopez.
Comparisons have been drawn between Clingan and former NBA talent Greg Oden, particularly in terms of their defensive prowess and rim protection abilities. However, it’s clear that Oden’s impact as a generational talent far surpassed Clingan’s current capabilities.
Despite comparisons, the focus remains on Clingan’s potential contribution to the Blazers. As the team navigates a draft that many deemed lacking in top-tier talent, Clingan’s promising start offers hope for the franchise’s future. The Blazers’ decision-makers have reason to be optimistic about their choice in the 2024 Draft.
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