That Athletic redraft did get me thinking seriously. Clingan was selected 7th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle was not available to the Blazers at that point. Neither was the guy analysts are still buzzing about, Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who barely got any playing time compared to his draft classmates but still tantalizes.
I think I’d argue at this point that by the time the Blazers drafted 7th, Clingan could reasonably be considered the best player available to them. He might get some competition from Memphis center Zach Edey or Sixers guard Jared McCain…maybe a few others.
But that’s the question I want to put before you today. Here’s a link to the 2024 NBA Draft. Factoring in Portland’s roster and needs, among the players selected 7th or later, would you have selected anyone over Clingan?
If you want, take it farther. Which players in this draft would you have taken over Clingan, period, including Castle and Sheppard and all the rest?
Have fun mulling this over in the comments section!