The Portland Trail Blazers drafted UCONN Center Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. It has been a busy night for Portland as they traded for the Washington Wizards Small Forward Deni Avdija right before tonight’s draft got underway. The team parted with the No. 14 overall pick to complete the trade with Washington.
Clingan had a tremendous season as the UCONN Huskies won their second straight NCAA Championship. He averaged 13 points per game this season along with 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game with the Huskies. The 7’2″ center was eighth in the nation in blocks per game. How will Clingan fit with the Portland Trail Blazers in his rookie season and beyond?
Portland Trail Blazers Get A Steal At Seven Overall
Clingan had an especially good NCAA Tournament for UCONN. He averaged 15.3 points per game in “March Madness” along with 8.3 rebounds and a whopping 3.2 blocks. He was the anchor of a Huskies defense that flummoxed opposing offenses all season.
Clingan will join a young core for the Blazers that includes Small Forward Jerami Grant and Guard Scoot Henderson. Henderson was drafted third overall by Portland a year ago. The Blazers finished with the third-worst record in the year last season at 21-61. Portland’s defense was league-average last season and Clingan will certainly help the team immediately on that end of the floor.
Clingan will be behind Deandre Ayton on the depth chart to begin his rookie campaign. It is a long NBA Offseason though and Ayton is seemingly always in trade discussions.
Portland Rebuilding For The Future
The Portland Trail Blazers are clearly rebuilding after trading away perennial NBA All-Star and beloved Point Guard Damian Lillard last offseason. Portland hopes Clingan can continue building on a great college career and fit in seamlessly with a Portland team that is looking forward to brighter days ahead.
About The Author
Justin has always loved sports. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated and 247Sports. He is always willing to talk football (NFL or college) and basketball, whether it’s on the women’s or men’s side, college or pro!
For More Great Content
‘Check out all of the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy