OKC Thunder: The Case for UConn’s Donovan Clingan

UConn’s Donovan Clingan is a traditional-style center. But he could fit better with OKC than many think.

For the last several seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder have prided themselves on drafting versatile, malleable players capable of fitting near any scheme or system.

Prospects that can handle, shoot, pass, defend and generally do everything at a capable level. And that process has yielded great results, which them coming away with the likes of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and more in the past two drafts.

At first glance, UConn’s Donovan Clingan — a 7-foot-2 traditional-style center — might not fit that versatility bill. But a deeper dive into his game says he might just offer real value for OKC.

After helping the Huskies seal the 2022-23 national championship in limited minutes off the bench, Clingan has had a rollercoaster of a second year, providing decent production that’s been halted a few times due to tick-tack injuries. In 31 games, he’s averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.4 blocks in just 22.0 minutes per contest. Overall, he’s shot 65% and 58% from the line.

Simply put, the raw production wasn’t quite where most thought it would be, but the talent has brimmed right near the surface since his collegiate arrival. Come draft night, he’ll likely be a lottery lock due to his mobility at over 7-foot, coupled with his defensive prowess.

One major topic surrounding the Thunder over the past few seasons has been the team’s lack of size, which is partly by design due to head coach Mark Daigneault’s small-ball system. That system has worked fine — with the team amassing a 49-21 record and placing itself firmly in contention talks this year — but Sunday’s loss to the Bucks especially highlighted one of its few weaknesses. Lack of a true, physical interior presence on the glass had led to a few tougher outings for the young Thunder.

While Clingan might not be singularly versatile, he adds versatility to schemes and play styles with elite size, shot-blocking and mobility for a big man.

Daigneault often uses the term “advantage creators,” and while Clingan might not be able to do that off the dribble such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Williams, he’s certainly able to create advantages in the paint with his frame and instincts.

Even more, Clingan is one of the better passing and decision-making traditional bigs to grace the draft in the last few seasons. While he’s no Nikola Jokic, Clingan has true feel for the game that most bigs lack. His 2.8 assists per 40 are better than Kel’el Ware, Yves Missi and Zach Edey — his more traditional draft counterparts.

Of course, the Thunder may opt to go a different route than Clingan (he may not even be on the board when they pick), and in all likelihood they will with a plethora of options across different picks. But don’t be too hasty to throw that option out the window come draft night 2024.

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