Donovan Clingan is flying under the radar in a weak 2024 draft class. A significant reason why is that his counting stats don't jump out at you, averaging just 6.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks. Despite the Portland Trail Blazers being a rebuilding team, Clingan hasn't had as much opportunity to shine relative to other lottery picks, playing 18.4 minutes per game this season.
Concerns surrounding his conditioning are valid and should be a top priority for improvement this offseason. But Clingan also hasn't had a chance to truly stand out in this class because he was selected by a Blazers team with arguably the league's deepest center rotation.
The silver lining to the unfortunate injuries suffered by Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) and Robert Williams III (left knee soreness) was that it forced the Blazers into doing something that GM Joe Cronin should've done at the trade deadline: resolve their big man logjam and clear the path for their rookie they invested significant draft capital in.
As a result, Clingan is having the best stretch of the season, averaging 7.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 24.5 minutes throughout March.
Clingan's elite per 36 numbers -- ranking top five in rebounds and blocks -- suggested that he deserved an increased role. He's finally getting that. His development is better off for it, and the Blazers are, too. Ayton last played on Feb. 10. Since then, Portland has had a record of 9-10, an improvement from their .438 season win percentage.
Clingan's physicality gives Blazers an edge Ayton never did
There are certainly some aspects of Ayton's game that the Blazers miss, including his reliable midrange shooting and ability to hold his own defensively out on the perimeter better than Clingan. However, you could make a compelling case that Clingan has been Portland's best center this season.
The obvious upgrade is having a 7-foot-2, 280-pound paint presence to anchor the Blazers' defense. But Clingan is also contributing in overlooked ways, whether it's his screen setting, high basketball IQ reads, or his nasty streak.
All of those are improvements over Ayton, but the intensity he plays with may be the most essential upgrade, especially considering Ayton's inconsistent effort and motor. If you were the opposing team, would you rather play against Ayton or Clingan? I know my answer.
The Blazers have significantly improved their defense from the start of the season. Now, they are establishing an identity with their size and physicality -- and Clingan is leading the charge.
Oftentimes, we overanalyze draft prospects with endless statistics, some of which help. But there's something to be said about drafting players who were winners at the collegiate level. Everything Clingan did to lead UConn to back-to-back national championships is now translating to the Blazers. He's impacting winning in ways Ayton simply couldn't.