Blazers rookie and 2x NCAA champ Donovan Clingan on defending Nikola Jokić & Embiid, improving conditioning and more (EXCLUSIVE)

Donovan Clingan on his conditioning, learning from Jokic and Embiid and more. Pic credits: Imagn

Depending on the game, Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Donovan Clingan will showcase his dominance or reveal his learning curve.

In only his second career start, the Blazers’ No. 7 pick posted a double double in points (17) and rebounds (12) against Minnesota while tying for second place in the Blazers’ record books for most blocks as a rookie (eight). Before and after missing seven games with a sprained left knee (Nov. 25 – Dec. 8), however, Clingan experienced learning curves the NBA’s increased physicality and versatility compared to his two national championship seasons with Connecticut (2023, 2024).