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We're now less than a month away from the 2024 NBA Draft, with the event taking place on June 26-27. That means that speculation has begun regarding key players and where they will end up.
One such player is former UConn center Donovan Clingan. Projected to be taken in the top-half of the NBA Draft lottery, Clingan reportedly could have a pair of teams looking to trade up to draft him, per Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints:
“It is hard to imagine Donovan Clingan falling past sixth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite already having Mark Williams and Nick Richards, Clingan is by far the best talent on the board in this position, and should he be here at sixth overall, the Hornets will have options to play with. They could realistically take the UConn big man here and figure out their lockjam at center in the offseason, possibly moving Richards, who could be a great addition for teams around the league such as the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies. Although, there is certainly a chance the Hornets look to trade down from this spot with Clingan on the board. The Portland Trail Blazers and Grizzlies also hold strong interest in Clingan, league sources said.”
The Blazers currently hold the seventh and 14th picks in next month's NBA Draft and could use those picks in order to move up a spot or two in order to select Clingan. Portland has Deandre Ayton at center who, despite the national narrative, performed very well for the Blazers once the team started utilizing him properly.
Behind him in the rotation is Robert Williams III, who a.) could be on his way out in a trade, and b.) probably can't be counted on to play after missing nearly the entire season with another knee injury. The Blazers also converted two-way center Duop Reath's contract to a standard NBA deal. He performed admirably in his rookie season but isn't necessarily a difference maker.
The Grizzlies, having traded Steven Adams to the Rockets after he suffered a preseason injury that was season-ending, have Jaren Jackson at center – though they generally prefer to play him at power forward next to another big body. Beyond that, rookie Trey Jemison and second year player Santi Aldama – both power forwards – are the only other true bigs on the roster.
Blazers and Grizzlies have significant NBA Draft needs
While both teams could use a difference making center, it makes more sense for the Grizzlies to swing high on Clingan. Clingan, who has question marks of his own, wouldn't start over Ayton. It's likely that Blazers draft guru Mike Schmitz – known for prioritizing high-upside players in the draft – would look to another player that has a higher ceiling in the NBA Draft.
The Blazers, having drafted what they believe is their backcourt of the future in Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, have needs everywhere else. In particular, Portland needs a true 3-and-D wing and more shooting from all over the floor.
The Grizzlies, after a lost season due to injuries suffered by Adams, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and pretty much everyone else expected to play a key role, need size and shooting.
Both teams will be ones to watch during next month's NBA Draft.
