The Portland Trail Blazers have made significant changes to their roster, particularly with their center position. Donovan Clingan and Hansen Yang are at the forefront of this transformation, with Clingan making a noticeable impact early in the season.
Clingan’s Performance with the Blazers
As the starting center, Donovan Clingan has quickly shown his value. He was selected 7th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, bringing collegiate championship experience from UConn to the team. Clingan stands 7 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 280 pounds, making him a formidable force in the paint.
- Average Minutes: 25.5 minutes per game
- Points Scored: 11.8 points per game
- Rebounds: 9.5 rebounds per game
- Assists: 2.0 assists per game
- Steals: 1.0 steals per game
- Blocks: 1.3 blocks per game
- Shooting Percentage: 62.1% from the field
- Three-Point Shooting: 33.3% on 3.0 attempts per game
Yang’s Role and Potential
Hansen Yang, selected 16th in the same draft year, also possesses substantial potential. Despite his hype during the Summer League, he is still adapting to the NBA’s competitive landscape. Yang’s contributions have been limited to 6.4 minutes per game so far. While he’s regarded as a better offensive option, Clingan’s defensive readiness has set him apart.
The starting lineup now features strong defenders like Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara, which enhances Clingan’s impact on the defensive end. Together with Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers are building a solid defensive identity.
The Future of the Blazers
While Yang shows promise as the Blazers’ future, Clingan’s immediate contributions cannot be overlooked. His defensive skills and experience bring balance to the team, allowing room for Yang to grow. As the season progresses, both players will shape the trajectory of the Portland Trail Blazers.
