Heading into Friday’s contest, former UConn star Donovan Clingan was averaging 4.3 blocks per game – the highest average in Summer League history.
‘Cling Kong’ wasted no time increasing that number, blocking five shots in the first half of Portland’s loss to Charlotte – once again looking like a dominant enforcer around the rim.
Clingan finally had an offensive breakout as well, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in his finest all-around performance as a pro.
The 7’2 big man from UConn also displayed an outside shot, knocking down a pair of threes on seven attempts as he works to add that versatility to his game ahead of his first NBA season.
Clingan was the seventh player selected in the 2024 NBA draft, and he heads to a Portland franchise that has an established starting center in DeAndre Ayton and a young, high-upside core of guards in Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons.
While Zach Edey drew most of the headlines for his excellent first Summer League game a few weeks ago, Clingan already looks like an All-Defensive caliber rim protector – and while his shooting percentages leave quite a bit to be desired, the way he moves without the basketball, his passing and screen setting skills, and developing outside shot give him sky-high potential.
Developing behind Ayton and growing with this young core in Rip City could be the perfect scenario for the native of Bristol, who has a very good chance of becoming the best NBA player in this draft class.