NBA Draft Scouting Report: Missouri State's Donovan Clay
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Donovan Clay
Wing | Missouri State
Height: 6'8” | Weight: 230 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 23.41
Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader-USA TODAY NETWORK
Prospect Profile
Clay's college career started with two seasons at Valparaiso before he transferred to Missouri State. Now in his fifth season at the collegiate level, he's really been able to showcase how well-rounded his game is and how quickly he can improve.
He's not an elite 3-point shooter, but Clay can certainly knock down triples and force defenses to defend him out to the perimeter. The 6-foot-8 prospect has improved as a shooter through time, but still has work to do.
As a scorer, Clay really thrives when he is able to leverage his strong frame to drive to the paint and generate looks for himself, or kick out to open teammates when the defense collapses. He doesn't have the quickness to play a primary guard spot at the NBA level, but instead will likely play as a traditional wing. Even then, his skillset for a professional wing is very attractive. He's proven to be able to generate two or three assists per night this season and last, which is impressive for a player of his height.
Defensively, Clay's lateral quickness and footwork will be what teams are looking at in pre-draft workouts. He has the broad frame that will allow him to hold his own against bigger players in the paint, but the question is whether or not he'll be able to contain the quicker archetype of guards and wings at the NBA level.
When Clay was a freshman in high school, he was barely six feet tall, which is why he played guard. From there, he grew to 6-foot-7 by the time he graduated but kept the majority of those ball-skills. Now he's a jumbo wing with the ability to create for himself and play with versatility.
When it comes to mid-major prospects, Clay is one of the most interesting given his size and skillset, which is a unique combination.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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