The Portland Trail Blazers hit the jackpot at No. 7 in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting UConn Huskies center Donovan Clingan.
Clingan was anticipated as a potential top-3 pick, but with numerous teams opting to go in different directions, the Blazers found the future of their front court. He is a potential Defensive Player of the Year down the road, largely due to his frame and physical tools. He averaged 2.5 blocks last season with the Huskies.
Clingan will join the promising core comprised of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deandre Ayton, and now former Washington Wizard Deni Avdija.
There's no denying Clingan was the dream selection for the Blazers, considering the depth in their backcourt. He matches the timelines of Henderson and Sharpe to near perfection while adding a much-needed interior presence on defense.
