The Charlotte Hornets puzzlingly decided to pass on Donovan Clingan in the 2024 NBA Draft, taking a gamble on French prospect Tidjane Salaun with the No. 6 overall pick. The Portland Trail Blazers were then able to capitalize on that mistake, taking Clingan at No. 7.
Salaun is just 20 years old and was viewed as a project-type player entering the draft. Because of that, it's too early to officially declare him a draft bust. However, from what Clingan has already shown as a rookie and now a few games into his second season, the Hornets should absolutely be regretting passing up the UConn product.
Blazers can thank Hornets for Donovan Clingan
Coming off back-to-back NCAA national championships, Clingan was viewed as one of the safest options in the draft. He wasn't projected to have an incredible ceiling due to his offensive limitations, but his floor was arguably the highest in the entire draft. His rebounding and rim protection were elite at the collegiate level, and at 7-foot-2, 280 pounds, Clingan had the physical tools for his interior dominance to seamlessly translate to the next level.
The 2024 draft class was perceived to be one of the weakest in recent memory, and Clingan had a case to be the No. 1 overall pick. Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report even noted that he had a "strong suspicion" that Clingan was the top prospect on the Blazers' big board entering the draft. Credit Portland's front office for landing their target without trading up. With several teams ahead of them already set at center, the Blazers stole Clingan without having to sacrifice any additional assets.
He's been as good as advertised, and perhaps even better. As a rookie, Clingan averaged 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. That resulted in All-Rookie honors, making Clingan the first Blazer to receive the recognition since Damian Lillard in 2013. If Clingan maintained that level of play, he'd already justify the selection in such a weak draft class. But, even better for Portland is the fact that Clingan continues to improve his game and expand his offensive arsenal in aspects many Blazers fans didn't even know he was capable of.
He's significantly improved his conditioning level in just one year, averaging 25.7 minutes this season and handling an increased starting role following Deandre Ayton's buyout. He's also providing underrated playmaking and floor spacing, constantly making the right reads while being a threat out on the perimeter at 2.8 attempts a game.
Charlotte took Salaun in hopes of unlocking his potential, but that ceiling is close to the player Clingan already is. They wanted to take a gamble to find that franchise-altering talent their roster has been missing, but it turns out that option was the safer route with Clingan.
Fortunately, Charlotte's loss is Portland's gain, as Clingan has already emerged as a key building block for the Blazers and a focal point of their defensive identity.