Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey: Who's the better fit for the Houston Rockets in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The Houston Rockets hold the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft - courtesy of the James Harden trade with the Brooklyn Nets - despite the pick having the ninth-best lottery odds entering last month's draft lottery. As with several teams at the top of the draft, Houston is reportedly open to moving the pick for an established player, there has been no movement on that front with the draft just eight days away.
The Rockets do not have any glaring needs as they finished 41-41 despite having a young roster. Take a look at whether Donovan Clingan or Zach Edey is a better fit for Houston below.
Who is a better fit for the Houston Rockets 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 regarded as one of the best defenders and rim protectors in this year's draft. Houston ranked as a middle-of-the-pack unit both offensively and defensively. While Clingan is not much of a shot creator, he has shown the ability to score in the pick-and-roll.
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 one of the biggest question marks in this year's draft. Despite his dominance during his college career, his pick-and-roll defense and ability to switch onto the perimeter - which is far more important at the next level - leave plenty to be desired. His ability to score, however, will ensure that he sees some minutes in the NBA.
The Houston Rockets have Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. - who are both just 21 years old - manning the frontcourt. While Clingan and Edey could both provide value to the roster, it would likely be in a limited role. The former represents a better fit, however, due to his defensive ability which could fit next to either of their frontcourt talents.