Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey: Who's the better fit for the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The Washington Wizards entered last month's draft lottery tied for the best odds for the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. After finishing the 2023-24 season with the second-worst record, Washington now have the second pick. While there have been reports that the team is open to moving the pick for the right player, a deal is yet to take place with the draft just over a week away.
The organization could look to target a star collegiate center such as Donovan Clingan or Zach Edey. The Wizards finished the season with Marvin Bagley III as their starting center; however, he is likely best suited as a power forward.
Take a look at which player is a better fit for Washington below.
Who is a better fit for the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft?
Donovan Clingan
Donovan Clingan averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.5 blocks while shooting 63.9% from the field in just 22.5 minutes per game last season. The four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class spent two seasons with the UConn Huskies, posting averages of 9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.5 spg and 2.1 bpg while shooting 64.5% from the field in 17.6 mpg.
Clingan is believed to have plenty of upside in what has generally been considered a weak draft class, particularly due to his defensive skills and rim protecting ability.
While they were a middle-of-the-pack unit in scoring offense, the Washington Wizards allowed 123.0 points per game last season, which was the most in the league. They also allowed 58.4 points in the paint per game, which tied for the most in the league.
While he does not create his own shot or stretch the floor, Washington would not need Clingan to play in such a style. He would provide Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones - assuming the latter is re-signed - with a great pick-and-roll partner and lob threat. There have been legitimate questions about his durability; however, Clingan is expected to play more in the NBA than he did in college.
Zach Edey
Zach Edey averaged 25.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.3 spg and 2.2 bpg while shooting 62.3% from the field in 32.0 mpg. He was named national college Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
The three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class spent his entire four-year career with the Purdue Boilermakers. He averaged 18.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.2 spg and 1.7 bpg while shooting 62.1% from the field in 24.9 mpg.
Edey is viewed as a major question mark entering the 2024 NBA Draft. His performance at the collegiate level was nothing short of dominant. However, there are legitimate questions about how his pick-and-roll defense and ability to switch onto the perimeter will translate to the NBA.
He has shown the ability to score at will which should be useful at the next level. The Washington Wizards, however, need help on the defensive end more than anything. Due to this, Clingan is a better fit if they decide to draft a center with the second overall pick.