Is Donovan Clingan the Top Prospect in 2024 NBA Draft?
Donovan Clingan has taken a significant step in his second NBA season. He was the Portland Trail Blazers’ seventh pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Rapid improvement and on-court impact
The 22-year-old, a two-time UConn champion, now looks like an above-average starting center. He leads the league in offensive rebounds at 4.5 per game with four games remaining.
Clingan ranks third in total rebounds with 11.6 a night. He is fifth in blocks at 1.7 per game.
Physical profile and skill growth
Clingan measures 7’2″ with a 7’7″ wingspan. He logged 73 games this season, averaging 27.2 minutes.
| Stat | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Points | 12.0 |
| 3PT% | 32.7% |
| FG% | 52.0% |
| Rebounds | 11.6 |
| Assists | 2.1 |
| Blocks | 1.7 |
He improved his conditioning and mobility. That change has unlocked more of his rim protection and passing ability.
Clingan added a three-point shot and pick-and-roll polish. He also excels at rescuing possessions with offensive rebounds.
Limitations to address
He still struggles versus centers who can space the floor. Games against matchup-heavy bigs exposed that weakness.
Addressing spacing defenders will be critical for his full development. That limits a few matchup plans today.
How he stacks against his class peers
The 2024 draft class lacked a dominant, franchise-changing prospect. Several players still have high upside.
Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle won Rookie of the Year from that class. He plays for the San Antonio Spurs as a guard-wing.
Castle is 21, picked fourth, and stands 6’6″ with a 6’9″ wingspan. He averaged 16.7 points and 7.2 assists in 65 games.
Alex Sarr
Alex Sarr went second overall to the Washington Wizards. He is 20 and listed at 7’0″ with a 7’5″ wingspan.
Sarr averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 boards, and 2.0 blocks over 48 games. He logged 27.2 minutes per contest, matching Clingan’s minutes.
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Clingan | 27.2 | 12.0 | 11.6 | 1.7 |
| Stephon Castle | 29.8 | 16.7 | 5.2 | 1.2 |
| Alex Sarr | 27.2 | 16.3 | 7.4 | 2.0 |
Sarr pairs rim protection with perimeter shooting. He projects as an All-Defensive candidate.
Castle offers two-way versatility and playmaking. He defends multiple positions and creates offense for others.
Projections and awards
Clingan and Sarr are the leading defensive prospects from the 2024 class. Both could earn All-Defensive honors.
Victor Wembanyama remains the clear frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. Clingan could contend if team context improves.
Stephon Castle already won Rookie of the Year. He may land All-Star and All-Defensive Second Team mentions in time.
Long-term outlook
In five years, one or two stars might emerge from this class. Clingan is among the most likely candidates.
His size, rebounding, and improving offense give him a meaningful edge. That places him in the Top Prospect conversation.
Analysis by Filmogaz.com.
