Bill Simmons of The Ringer gave Donovan Clingan credit for his impact after he watched the Portland Trail Blazers center take down his favorite team, the Boston Celtics. Simmons is particularly impressed by Clingan's rim protection and ability to change the game with his size and skill.
"I think Clingan is terrific. I really like him as a big guy," Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. "I liked him in the draft. I thought both him and [Zach] Edey went maybe a couple of spots too late because where the league was going, I like these big guys that can rebound and defend the rim."
Simmons' observation came after the Blazers Dec. 28 win, when they defeated the Celtics 114-108 at the TD Garden. Clingan finished the contest with 18 points and18 rebounds, shooting 8-of-10 in 34 minutes.
"He killed the Celtics."
Blazers found a building block in Donovan Clingan
The Blazers strategically bought out Deandre Ayton this past offseason to clear the path for Clingan, and he's already justifying that decision. Portland's new starting center is having a breakout season in Year 2, averaging 11.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks on efficient 55/34/64 shooting splits.
The Blazers landed their center of the future with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He's already making a significant impact with his physical tools, rebounding, and rim protection. But what's most promising is that Clingan continues to raise his ceiling. He's already improved in key areas, such as his conditioning and three-point shot.
As a rookie, he averaged 19.8 minutes per game due to both Ayton's presence and poor conditioning. But Clingan made that an emphasis this past summer, with the goal of playing 30+ minutes a night. He's currently averaging 26.7 minutes per game, but that has increased in 2026, with Clingan meeting or exceeding the 30-minute mark in three consecutive games. Thanks to his conditioning, he'll now be able to take on this expanded role without compromising his two-way impact, which is now gaining national attention.
As Simmons notes, this also puts the Blazers in a unique position leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Building blocks Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija are taking giant leaps this season, proving that Portland's young core is too talented to bottom out for a top draft pick in 2026. At the same time, they're in that dreaded "no man's land" as a 17-20 team, sitting 9th in the Western Conference. With the play of up-and-coming pieces like Clingan, Portland should feel more comfortable buying at the deadline and finally accelerate their rebuild to end a four-year playoff drought.
If they do decide to buy at the deadline, it's become clear they no longer need a starting center.