[Donovan Clingan]on his private workout with the Hawks: “Feel like I was able to show everything I can do offensively and defensively at a very high level.. I shot the ball at a very very high level.. felt like it went well and we’ll see tomorrow”
by Shade_Raven
8 Comments
I’m thinking more and more that this is our guy. If his ceiling on defense is something between Marc Gasol and Rudy Gobert, that’d be worth the top pick even if his offense never progresses beyond “peak Clint Capela” (which would still be pretty darn good; that Trae-Clint pick-and-roll nearly took us all the way to the Finals). Sure, he’s not as switchable as Sarr, but I feel like if you’re going to build a successful defense that includes Trae Young, it’s probably not going to be a switch-heavy defense anyway, so it’d make sense to get the best pure anchor-type guy available. And if he *can* eventually develop a reliable jump shot, that’s icing on the cake. Our coaching staff does seem pretty good at helping guys find their stroke, so that would be an encouraging possibility at least.
*EDIT: Forgot about his passing too — that’s one of my favorite parts of his game. He’s one of the only guys in the top tier of this draft who actually has a solid AST/TO ratio, which is generally a pretty good signal of overall feel for the game and potential for future improvement.
I’m with Quinn on this one. Clingan is high floor, high ceiling, wants to play here and is a quality guy. Last time the Hawks had a top 5 defensive center (Capella), shooters (Huerter, Bogi, Lou), and Trae Young, they made the ECF.
Just draft Clingan, trade for or cheap sign some shooters who can play league-average D and go make the Spurs suck on the 27th or so draft pick in 2025.
As an aside, I understand Sarr has tools, but he’s soft in the head and you can’t teach away fear of contact. He’s literally scared to be the #1 pick – tf? What type of dog doesn’t want to go #1?
Aside #2, if you can get Clingan and assets – even better.
I’m good with him. I understand about trading back but what if he gets picked just before us? Let’s not get too cute with this.
I think clingan makes a lot of sense if we can sign KCP amd trade for Brandon Ingram. This makes our lineup
Trae
Kcp
Bi
Jj
Clingan
That is a big defensive heavy team that still has good shooting all around and can punish switches. Spam pick and roll with jj/trae/clingan amd let BI cook when needed
He’s so slow man. I hear the Marc Gasol comparisons but he seems slower and less coordinated than Gasol to me. I dunno, time will tell. He played well in college, is smart player, tough, and has super elite standing reach, good finisher. There’s a lot to like for sure. Much safer pick than Sarr. But I still prefer Risacher.
For what its worth, Zodiac GM says take Clingan.
Pisces w/ Aries moon
Key synergy match:
Coach Snyder (Scorpio)
T. Young (Virgo)
D. Murray (Virgo)
Team-oriented, more willing to do what is asked.
Clingan’s energy has a bigger synergy impact than Alex Sarr (Taurus).
Matches very well with Coach Snyder, D. Murray & T. Young.
Emotional and outspoken. Communication is key for this sign to flourish.
https://thebayoucitian.com/2024-synergy-mock-draft/
I think as we’ve learned more about the prospects in this cycle my opinion on Clingan’s ceiling has changed the most. 2 years ago he was playing for his local public high school and training in their facilities. As a 7+ foot guy. How much experience could a local high school program in Connecticut have training a 7+ foot guy for the NBA?
With good health and an NBA conditioning program + his bball IQ and touch I think he could grow into an all star. I’m sure Quin was jacked up during and after his workout.
I remember watching the NCAA championship and thinking it’d be cool if the Hawks could draft Clingan, but we prob wouldn’t pick high enough. Then we luck into the first pick, and despite the drama with Sarr, if we end up with Clingan I ain’t complaining. Clingan is 7’2”. Sarr is 7’0. Clingan is slower but seems to position well defensively and not take bad steps. Seems like with the offensive firepower we have already that we don’t need him to do more than rebound, pick, and occasionally our spacing would allow an open dunking lane that utilizes his height advantage and Trae’s ability to spot that opportunity and make the right pass.
Big certified 5. Not a wannabe 4. LFG.