Is Donovan Clingan playing vs Houston Rockets? Latest on Blazers center's status for Summer League game (July 21)
Donovan Clingan has been pegged to be the Portland Trail Blazers’ defensive anchor of the future. Clingan, who was picked seventh overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, will be wrapping up his first taste of the NBA floor as the Trail Blazers will play their last game in the NBA 2k25 Summer League against the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas on July 21.
The game will serve to be another gauge for Clingan’s potential with the Trail Blazers, which has been looking to rebuild their roster after losing franchise legend Damian Lillard last year.
Sunday’s game versus the Rockets will not only feature Clingan but will also see the final Summer League game of No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard, pitting together two lottery picks.
When he is on the floor, Clingan, who stands at seven-foot-two, looks like the most imposing player in the game. Clingan has been the best rebounding center among rookies in the summer tournament, pulling down 12.3 rebounds per game, and making use of his frame and length to dominate the game.
Defensively, Clingan has also been one of the most effective players. He has been a superb disruptor on defense, tallying 4.3 blocks and 0.3 steals per game. With his Summer League performances so far, Clingan is projected to be one of the most impactful rookie prospects in the defensive end in the upcoming NBA season.
With teams playing their last games in the Summer League, the tournament is about to enter its playoff phase. However, the Rockets and Blazers are out of playoff contention for their identical 2-2 records.
After a disappointing season which saw them record only 21 wins in 82 games, the Trail Blazers have been using the Summer League to develop their young player and find the diamonds in the rough in their roster.
The matchup will be broadcast through NBATV and is scheduled to tip off at 9 P.M ET.
Donovan Clingan’s work ethic in UConn under Dan Hurley improved his draft stock
Donovan Clingan was considered to be a project player when he entered the University of Connecticut despite other offers from Division 1 schools.
Starting as a lanky bench player, Cligan was developed into a formidable inside presence for UConn under Dan Hurley, who was once invited to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Under Hurley, Clingan won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. However, it was last season when Clingan solidified his name as an NBA prospect after averaging 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 35 games for the Huskies.
Now, Clingan aims for that same caliber of interior presence for the Trail Blazers, whose roster also has former top overall pick Deandre Ayton.