DONOVAN CLINGAN SCOUTING REPORT | 2024 NBA Draft | Portland Trail Blazers | UConn Huskies

UConn sophomore Donovan Clingan is my favorite pure big in the 2024 #NBADraft. How will he carry over into the #NBA from college basketball - and how will he do with the #PortlandTrailBlazers?
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Credit:
- "Benz" - Yung Kartz
- "Warzone" - Anno Domini Beats
- ESPN
- CBS
- FOX Sports
- Peacock
- NCAA
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Chapters:
00:15 Play finishing breakdown
3:00 Rebounding
4:00 Passing
5:20 Improvements
6:23 Shooting
7:28 Defense
10:51 NBA Draft projection and Takeaway

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

Brutal display today against Illinois. Few centers I have seen cause such a massacre, defensively and offensively, on the opponent.

[@FloorandCeiling]

He certainly imposed himself.

[@user-du1gp1kd1m]

I’m seeing this video during the game against Ilinois. Congratulations from Spain, the video explains very well the characteristics of Donovan

[@user-du1gp1kd1m]

What do you think about Izan Almansa?

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thank you! And I have a video on Izan Almansa uploaded also. I like him as a first round pick.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

He is tall, has weight and wingspan. On defense he is a good shot stopper and rim protector, although his travel speed is slow, especially laterally. Offensively he goes to the hoop with forcefulness and plays the pick'n'roll well. He needs to improve his hook and get a good three-meter shot. And free throws, of course. And with very good passing skills as shown in the video. Too old school for today's NBA? In my opinion, no, he can perfectly make a place for himself in the NBA and with good results. Top 5 of the draft. His floor is Kessler and his ceiling is.... Bill Walton!!!. And I'm old and I know Clingan is never going to reach the level of The Big Red, but he shows some curious resemblance.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like the Kessler comparison. Right now, I have Clingan #8 on my big board but he can keep making a top 5 push. He has everything to have a long and successful NBA career, but more than anything needs to prove he can remain on the floor during higher minutes.

[@mikesmith9368]

You actually talked me out of selecting him. Thank you.

[@FloorandCeiling]

How so?

[@gangawerks]

He's got some good movement and reach -7'7" wingspan. Great passing highlights. He's definitely alot more uptempo then Edey. Is nice to see him shooting 70 percent from the stripe in his last 5 games.

[@FloorandCeiling]

If Clingan shot free throws like that for a long stretch, then I'd find him pretty close to faultless on offense within his limitations. Physical screener who's tall and wide but moves well, can play above the rim with strong hands, and has a reliable two-way motor. Right now, he's between #8-12 on my personal big board leaning towards that higher side. Unlike Edey, Clingan has already shown (at a younger age) that he can play earlier in the shotclock, do more rim running, and seemingly has more natural ballscreen instincts. I'm referring both to when he's rolling, but also if he's running a hand-off, diving long out of an off-ball screen, or something along those lines. Like Edey though, Clingan has defensive limitations. He plays in a less of a deep drop than Edey, but it's still drop and he's not especially switchable. Then, there's also the question of minutes. Clingan has always been limited there, while Edey will have to adjust to playing less. And both are limited shooters in different ways.

[@gangawerks]

@@FloorandCeiling wow, fantastic and comprehensive analysis! You might of sold me on him over any other big. I'm a big fan of versatility-especially when it comes to bigs.

[@stevenpaynter4215]

Edey is gonna eat this man alive, just watch ill be back too comment later, your gonna look so dumb

[@robertball147]

great breakdown - thanks!

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks for watching as always!

[@rep227]

His finishing and post moves seems more stiff than I thought. Though he still seems solid defensively and has a room to improve too. I also heard on Fanspo he grew an inch and now he is 7'3.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Agreed, that’s why I touched on how I wish Clingan was just a bit more dominant near the basket since his touch isn’t awesome. I definitely trust his defense even if it’ll come with some limitations too.

[@mbwell]

He got torched in the first half of the final. But, in the 2nd half, he demonstrated a different level.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I'm seeing him get top 3 buzz after the NCAA tournament.

[@mbwell]

@@FloorandCeiling Is he a sure thing? Can he come in and help my Pistons right away?

[@dblshotz75]

If Uconn plays Purdue we will see just how good Clingan is. Hes going to look great

[@licenciadobrubaker]

Everyone wants to see the Clingan vs Edney duel.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I'd like to see that also.

[@krisharkleroad8]

Has more potential than some other bigs. Needs to work on his hook from both sides. His FT shooting will improve. Needs to work on overall agility. His body is still maturing. With the right training and hard work on his part he can become significantly more impactfull on the offensive end.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Agreed for the most part, though I think the note on his agility can also be attributed to some injuries he's suffered (so that might just be a different way of phrasing that improvement point).

[@500TD500]

Nice video 😊

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajevans1422]

I wish Clingan attempts to be more of a bully on offense. Physicality can be a double edged sword but physicality can make him a better finisher.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks for watching! 70% at the rim on 48 dunks is pretty good and he's highly productive on a per minutes basis. However, I do agree that there's room for improvement with his touch finishes, ambidexterity, and free throws (much more than expanding his range).

[@scootover7]

If the Grizzlies fall into the top 4, I think they should take him, I seen according to Tankathon it has the Hornets taking Donovan Clingan with the 4th pick , not sure if he'll fall to 7 if Grizzlies pick there.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Grizzlies are my favorite fit for Clingan. Thanks for watching!

[@mbwell]

Looking forward to a showdown with Edey.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Should be a good one!

[@case7759]

His ceiling is Zubac, his floor is Cody Zeller. Watching his highlights, all I can see is Zubac, which is not bad but not worth a top 3 pick

[@FloorandCeiling]

I’m curious as to how you view Zach Edey then because he’s the big I have slotted as similar to Zubac in this draft. Thanks for watching!

[@case7759]

No problem, love your videos! I’ve subscribed, keep up the awesome content! Edey reminds me of a younger Brook Lopez/Marc Gasol. I’d personally take Edey over him. Clingan was (sorry to say) a product of Hurleys system and is one dimensional, only providing reasonable upside on defense. Edey has both Offensive/Defensive potential, and has shown in draft workouts that he’s quicker than Clingan

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

One of the main differences I see between Clingan and Edey is that the former passes the ball well while the latter passes very poorly. And that is a basic element in a good center. So Clingan is closer to Marc Gasol than Edey.

[@case7759]

@@alvaromartinez-cachero1231 Edey was the focal point of his teams offense and double teamed on practically every possession, which I don’t expect to happen in the pros. He also covers so much ground physically with his wingspan and giant frame, he’ll be much harder to move in the post (defense or offense). Teams will sag off of Clingan and clog the passing lanes since they know he can’t shoot. Clingan literally was a rim runner/protector for UConn, that’s it. That’s still very valuable, but it’s much easier to find some with Clingan skill set than Edey’s

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

I partially agree with your opinion and without a doubt the adaptation of Edey's game to the NBA is the great unknown of this Draft. The point is that I don't see that adaptation as easy. As for Clingan, I think he is more than just a rim protector, or at least has the potential to be.

[@beckembrown7002]

Great Analysis! For the Hawks, do you believe Clingan or Filipowski is the better choice? And why? Thanks

[@FloorandCeiling]

Assuming that the Hawks hold onto Trae Young, then I prefer Clingan because he gives Atlanta continuity with a pick-and-roll big who moves around well and finishes plays. Given the slate of options Atlanta already has at the 5, it also doesn't matter as much if Clingan plays a low volume of minutes. Whereas for Flip, he gives the Hawks a different look offensively with his ballhandling in space and outside shooting, but I'd have a lot more worries defensively. He's a solid, but not particularly great, defender in college basketball, and there's a decent enough chance that he struggles against NBA athleticism - at least at first. That'd be more of a concern in pick-and-roll defense than Clingan imo. But also, I don't think Clingan gets to where the Hawks are predicted to draft right now if Memphis remains higher in the lottery standings, so I'd still like the Filipowski pick.

[@LD70701]

@@FloorandCeiling We're debating Sarr or Clingan for Hawks now, how do you think about the roster fit,win now timeline or overall consideration ? It's like 70-30 or 60-40 Sarr -Clingan in Hawks fanbase now. Very interesting

[@scottv5587]

Welcome to the Wiz

[@FloorandCeiling]

What do you like about his fit in DC? I've seen a few Wizards fans wanting Clingan and I'm interested in that fit for sure.

[@bigjay52]

​@@FloorandCeilingSup, We don't have a set team, so everyone plays to find their strengths and roles . He will get chiseled to be like 270 and learn the game. We Tristan and Marvin Bagley for now. Donovan can come in and develop 👍

[@FireBladeRR-RSP]

To me he’s way better than EDEY! Higher ceiling

[@FloorandCeiling]

Agreed that Clingan is better.

[@Pineapples-Mango_Smoothie]

🧢

[@taysmith2849]

Dude coming to the Grizzlies

[@FloorandCeiling]

That’s my favorite fit for Clingan

[@aleksandarlazovic-jb9ef]

As Grizzlies fan, I wouldn't mind Clingan, but I prefer Missi. Right now Clingan is better player, but Missi has more upside in pick&roll, both offensively and defensively, and also could guard better stretch bigs like Wembanyama, Holmgren, even Jokic or Embiid. Not to mention durability

[@NoLuv06]

Welcome to the Chicago Bulls🏆

[@FloorandCeiling]

At this point, I'm not sure Clingan is going to be available where the Bulls are projected to go. They only have a 9.4% chance of getting a top 4 pick.

[@Keme-zi9qu]

Go Spurs Go!!!

[@FloorandCeiling]

The Spurs should prioritize a ballhandler imo, ideally a guard but also maybe someone like Clingan's UConn teammate Stephon Castle who I just uploaded a video on.

[@Keme-zi9qu]

@@FloorandCeiling Imagine Victor Wembanyama handling the ball and Donovan Clingan setting the screen.

[@RoddyBiber]

Grizzly 🐻🐻🐻

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like this fit.

[@therockneverstops8261]

Or, Golden State Warrior.

[@serendipity2516]

When you say that you think he is the best center in the draft, does that include Sarr, or do you see him as more of a PF that focuses on weakside rim protection and help defense?

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

If we are talking about a classic center, I prefer Clingan to Sarr. Sarr doesn't convince me as a center, I see him more in the PF position although with problems.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I see Sarr as someone whose tools, production, and versatility would show up best at the 5, but I have concerns with his propensity top pop rather than roll, as well as his lack of rebounding and interior toughness. He also shows flashes of passing and ballhandling, but i don;t know whether those will translate to the NBA - so I feel like he might end up playing the 4 at first, sort of like an Evan Mobley. Clingan, on the other hand, has fair questions surrounding how many minutes he can play... but his production is pretty remarkable, he's a legit presence at the rim on both ends, and I think his passing might be more translatable than Sarr because he's using his size+hands to create space for others, roll short or dive long to the rim, punish mismatches etc. Sarr probably prefers to pop out for a three (14/49 for 28.6% in the NBL with a slightly lower percentage for the entire season, which is fine but shouldn't be overstated either) or try to face-up. Still, because Sarr has the means to offer greater defensive and pick-and-roll versatility, is a better athlete at only about an inch smaller, and has more of a road to advancing as a shooter, I currently have him above Clingan.

[@na_k]

Hoping his foot checks out so he can be a future Grizz.

[@FloorandCeiling]

That’s my ideal fit for him.

[@na_k]

​@@FloorandCeilingI've been going back and forth on Filipowski, who raises the Grizzlies' ceiling offensively, and Clingan who raises the defensive ceiling. Is that how you see it? And do you have any NBA comps past or present for both?

[@FloorandCeiling]

@@na_k Flip is like a Kelly Olynyk or a Mo Wagner, whereas Clingan is more similar to Walker Kessler or Steven Adams.

[@alloneword154]

Bro adama sonogo was the big East player of the year for UConn last year. That is why he sat so much.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yep, just worth pointing out the context.

[@alloneword154]

@@FloorandCeiling. You didn’t point that out though just saying

[@therockneverstops8261]

The Golden State Warriors may target him, even willing to trade a valuable young asset to go and get him.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Warriors would need to make a significant deal to make this happen. They currently only have the 55th pick in the draft.

[@jus3278]

Welcome to Houston

[@FloorandCeiling]

Why do you want him? Genuinely curious.

[@VanIyke]

Zach Edey vs Clingon (what a Star Trekkie sounding name. lol) who would you take first in the draft and why?

[@FloorandCeiling]

Clingan because he’s younger, seems like he’s more adaptable to the NBA’s pace and space, and has more two-way versatility. He’s in my top 10 right now, whereas Edey is towards the start of the second round because he will need to play off much fewer touches, adapt to a bench role OR the tougher option of really dropping weight and playing more possessions at a faster pace, become more comfortable playing in the pick-and-roll, and he’s a more limited defender. Of course, he’s supremely productive in college but the NBA is way different.

[@MasterOfRage]

Dude, Imagine If Portland Drafted Both Stephon Castle And Donovan Clingan

[@FloorandCeiling]

They're both within their theoretical range. I'll have a video on Castle out soon, but basically, I'd actually prefer if Portland drafted him this year and then focused on a big in 2025. Having that second lottery pick presumably fall to #13 (as of now) probably puts drafting both UConn prospects out of reach. I don't think their rebuild accelerates that much next season, even if that can be frustrating. Having the option to form a young core with 2-3 (ideally all of them, but that's always tougher) of Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Stephon Castle is really enticing. There's always the option of that latter pick outplaying their draft spot, too. Plus, Deandre Ayton is serviceable for now if he keeps playing like he has in this late season stretch.

[@MasterOfRage]

@@FloorandCeiling Oh Ok, I Understand 👌 🙂

[@MasterOfRage]

@@FloorandCeiling But I Dunno, Hopefully If He Falls Somewhere In Round 1 Lands With The Miami Heat, Because We A Backup Center And A Shooting Guard To Replace Tyler Herro And Shoot 3 Pointers Very Well

[@FloorandCeiling]

@@MasterOfRage Ja'Kobe Walter, Dalton Knecht, Devin Carter, Johnny Furphy, Kevin McCullar, Bronny James, and Jared McCain just about covers my extensive shortlist for who the type of prospect I think is a good fit in Miami.

[@MasterOfRage]

@@FloorandCeiling I Like It 💯🔥👍🏾

[@goat.7850]

Memphis THIS is your center, put JJJ back to the 4

[@FloorandCeiling]

Clingan is my favorite fit in Memphis. Thanks for watching!

[@goat.7850]

@@FloorandCeiling Healthy Memphis should be really good next szn. Potential to be a pretty stifling defense sim to Minnesota

[@JtheLionheart]

Please fall to the hornets.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Do you think the Hornets need to upgrade on Mark Williams and Nick Richards?

[@JtheLionheart]

@FloorandCeiling for sure, Mark Williams isn't the most reliable, nor can he anchor a defense. Good player but more of a backup, IMO. If we can get a center that can be our defensive anchor, that would be a good starting point to build on. Brandon Miller plays defense, Grant Williams isn't too bad. With the right coach, maybe we can climb ourselves out of basketball hell.

[@ronaldrenearmstrong9872]

BET OKC DRAFTS HIM, CHET TOO SKINNIE

[@FloorandCeiling]

I actually think the forward who would benefit the most from Clingan long term is Jaren Jackson Jr, not Chet or (higher in the draft, in theory) Victor Wembanyama.

[@RoddyBiber]

@@FloorandCeilingdef a future Grizzly 💯

[@Wrestle_Kingdom]

Okc most definitely won’t be drafting clingan

[@bronxroots6668]

I really want to see what team foolishly drafts this guy. I’m gonna waste a lotto pick on a strictly low post, slow, stiff player, playing a dinosaur of a position. Good luck with that one.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I don't think he's a strictly low post player at all, plus all NBA teams still need quality centers to be true contenders in the league.

[@Fullcollapse1]

​@@FloorandCeiling All he has is height but that ain't enough in the NBA ... he's skinny as a rail too he'd get schooled by the athletic players who can ball.

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

Skinny?. He’s 280 pounds, exactly the same weight of Embiid. Jokic is 284, Anthony Davis is 253. He has flaws, but he is not skinny.

[@bronxroots6668]

@@FloorandCeiling he is strictly a low post center! All because you can shoot a ball from the 3 point line, doesn’t make you a 3 point shooter. His defense is what it is, but the offense is where his money will be made and his draft position secured. Is he a 1st round pick, sure ok I’ll give you that. Lotto pick, hell no! I don’t care about his weight, that’s stupid. His overall talent is just lacking. But it will be great seeing him go up against Zach Edey if both teams make the final👍🏾

[@shadshad2972]

lol your a joke