Trail Blazers Take Donovan Clingan with 7th Pick of 2024 NBA Draft

The Portland Trail Blazers have selected Donovan Clingan of the University of Connecticut with the 7th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Clingan is a 7’2, 280 lb center, 20 years old. He helped the Connecticut Huskies to a NCAA Championship in 2023 before moving to a starting role this season. He averaged 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in 35 appearances during his 2023-24 campaign.

Clingan is bulky and strong, with broad shoulders and rebounding potential. He’s known as a strong interior defender. He is a throwback center, playing with his back to the basket on offense, relying on high-percentage attempts in the lane. He is not a shooter nor can he create his own shot. You can find far more about Clingan in our pre-draft scouting report.

The selection comes just hours after Portland traded the 14th overall pick and guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Washington Wizards for forward Deni Avdija.

The first 30 picks of the draft will be made tonight, with picks 31-60 happening tomorrow evening. The Blazers hold the 34th and 40th selections in the second round.