The Portland Trail Blazers went big — literally, with the selection of Donovan Clingan from two-time national champion Connecticut at No. 7 overall. The 7-foot-2 shot-altering stud averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last season for the Huskies, expanding his offensive skills to complement his dominant defense.
Clingan dedicated his night to his mother, Stacey Clingan, who died of breast cancer at age 42 in 2018.
“I’ve got my mom over here on my side at all times,” Clingan said. “She’s looking down at me. She’s smiling, and I know she’s proud.”
Needs: Height, after ranking last in the league in rim protection last season. Their small forward spot was unsettled with Shaedon Sharpe injured.
Drafted: Donovan Clingan, Connecticut center, with the No. 7 pick in the first round.
Comparison: Clingan could track toward Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
In other Blazers news, they traded Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th pick in the draft to the Washington Wizards for 6-9 foot forward Deni Avdija, a 5th year player.
Avdija started all 75 games last season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 37.4% on 3-pointers.