3 Projected Hornets Picks at No. 6 in NBA Draft
By Joe Summers
2. Donovan Clingan, C - Connecticut Huskies
Donovan Clingan had a spectacular season as UConn's defensive anchor en route to a national championship. The 7'2", 280 LB center averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals in only 22.6 minutes per game while shooting 63.9% from the field.
He's soared up draft boards thanks to his strong play, and he'd be a perfect building block for one of the NBA's worst defenses. ESPN has the Hornets drafting Clingan, and he's my personal favorite target at No. 6.
There’s a lot to like about Donovan Clingan’s passing ability.
— Lucas 🦦 (@redcooteay) May 16, 2024
He isn’t the type of playmaker you run an offense through but that’s okay. He’s a good processor, makes nice reads within plays, runs DHO, & hits cutters well.
1.9 A/TO - 13.4 AST% - 8.7 TOV%pic.twitter.com/0VRlJYN0tl
While defense is Clingan's calling card, he's an impressive offensive player as well. His ability to hit cutters and make smart passes would make Ball and Miller's lives easier, and Clingan is an efficient scorer as well.
When you have two potential stars on offense who can score already, you need the right complementary players to support them. Clingan could help Ball and Miller shine without needing to put up many shots himself, and he comes from a loaded UConn team to illustrate that point.
ESPN writes, "The Hornets would surely be highly attracted to the size, length, rim-protection and passing ability of Clingan, who is coming off back-to-back national championships at UConn and has room for growth alongside their core at just 20 years old."
I completely agree. If Clingan is on the board, it'd be hard for Charlotte to pass up on the former Huskie.