Donovan Clingan: The Portland Trail Blazers' Towering Force in the NBA Rebuild
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, few players have captured the imagination of Portland Trail Blazers fans quite like Donovan Clingan. Selected seventh overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the 7-foot-2 center from the University of Connecticut has quickly become a cornerstone of the franchise's rebuilding efforts. As the Blazers navigate their post-Damian Lillard era under General Manager Joe Cronin, Clingan's emergence signals a promising shift. This article delves into his journey from college dominance to NBA stardom, analyzing his stats, impact, and potential to redefine the team's frontcourt.
From Storied College Roots to NBA Lottery Luck
Donovan Clingan's basketball pedigree is as impressive as his physical tools. At UConn, he was instrumental in back-to-back National Championships, anchoring a defense that stifled opponents with his rim protection and rebounding prowess. Standing at 7'2" with a staggering 7'7" wingspan—often compared to an "aircraft carrier"—Clingan was a nightmare matchup for college bigs. His junior year stats of 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game underscored his elite potential.
The 2024 NBA Draft was widely criticized as one of the weakest classes in recent memory, with prospects like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Reed Sheppard dominating pre-draft buzz. Portland, limping through another rebuilding season, entered the lottery with the fourth-best odds but slipped to seventh—a familiar sting after previous years. Yet, fortune smiled on the Blazers when Clingan fell to them at No. 7. GM Joe Cronin, who had scouted the big man for two full years, couldn't hide his excitement. "I wouldn’t put a ceiling on him. He’s THAT good," Cronin declared in his post-draft presser, hinting at dreams of snagging Clingan earlier with a 2023 pick.
The draft night wasn't without drama. Portland traded for Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija earlier, sending out the No. 14 pick (via Boston), Malcolm Brogdon, and future assets. This move cleared the deck for Clingan to slot in seamlessly, bypassing notables like Zach Edey and Matas Buzelis who went later.
Draft Context and Blazers' Strategy
Cronin's draft history with Portland has been a mixed bag. A B+ for 2022 gems Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker gave way to a C for the 2023 class featuring Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray. The 2024 selection of Clingan feels like a pivotal win, aligning with Cronin's vision of building around versatile bigs in a league trending toward spacing. At the time, the Blazers were tanking for lottery positioning, sending former No. 1 pick Greg Oden to represent them—a nod to franchise history amid their struggles.
Rookie Season: Building Blocks and All-NBA Nod
Clingan's rookie year was a study in patience and adaptation. He primarily backed up Deandre Ayton, the high-salary center whose $35 million contract became a liability. Limited to 19.8 minutes per game, Clingan posted modest averages of 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Yet, his impact was undeniable; opponents shot just 48% at the rim when he was defending.
The highlight? Earning a spot on the All-NBA Rookie Second Team. This accolade validated his raw talent, especially in a weak draft class where he outshone many hyped prospects. Off the court, Clingan endeared himself to fans with his work ethic, often spotted in the gym refining his three-point shot—a skill absent from his college arsenal but crucial for modern centers.
Summer changes accelerated his timeline. Ayton, in the final year of his deal, was waived as trade rumors fizzled. The runway cleared for "Cling Kong" to unleash his inner "Dominayton," a playful mashup of his name and Ayton's. Heading into 2025-26, questions lingered about his conditioning for 30-plus minutes, but Clingan silenced doubters early.
Second-Season Surge: Stats That Turn Heads
Now in his sophomore campaign, Clingan has elevated his game dramatically. Averaging 27.4 minutes—up from his rookie mark—he's delivering 11.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. The leap is most evident in high-usage stretches: In 12 games with 30+ minutes, he's exploded for 14.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a 71% true shooting percentage. That's elite efficiency for a 7-footer.
His perimeter shooting has been a revelation. Through December and January, Clingan drained 22 of 61 threes (36%), showcasing fluidity rare for his size. Season-long, he's at 30% from deep on low volume, but the development hints at All-Star upside. Defensively, his wingspan creates chaos; he's altered 4.5 shots per 36 minutes, anchoring Portland's paint presence amid a youth movement.
Advanced Metrics and Team Impact
Diving deeper, Clingan's plus-minus jumps to +8.2 in extended minutes, reflecting his two-way influence. For a rebuilding Blazers squad—bolstered by youngsters like Sharpe and Henderson—he's the steadying force. Portland's rebounding rate improves by 12% with him on the floor, and their defensive rating climbs to top-10 levels. Cronin's five-year tenure, now in its fifth anniversary, sees Clingan as a beacon of progress after draft inconsistencies.
Challenges remain. Turnovers creep up in pick-and-roll sets, and his free-throw shooting hovers at 65%. But at 21 years old, these are coachable flaws. Teammates rave about his leadership; Henderson credits Clingan's vocal presence for boosting the locker room vibe.
Future Outlook: Cling Kong's Ceiling Is Limitless
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Clingan isn't just a draft success—he's a symbol of Portland's upward trajectory. With Cronin eyeing contention in 2-3 years, Clingan's growth could accelerate that timeline. Comparisons to Rudy Gobert surface for his rim deterrence, but with added shooting, he evokes a more mobile Kristaps Porzingis.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing. Will he crack All-Defensive teams? Push for All-Star nods? In a league where big men like Victor Wembanyama redefine possibilities, Clingan fits the mold. For now, he's delivering wins—one rebound, one block, one surprising three at a time. The Blazers' rebuild feels a lot brighter with Donovan Clingan leading the charge.
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