2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs snag 2 top-10 picks, Pistons go upside at 1

12. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets) draft Donovan Clingan

Clingan is a traditional center with limitations. NBA teams are not ecstatic to select a 7’2 big man who needs to play drop coverage and has not made a 3-pointer in his college career. Clingan feels like a safe pick as someone ready to contribute right now as a backup center. He rebounds well and protects the rim.

Clingan was a reserve on UConn’s national title team last season, but he is playing more and starting in year two. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game over the first five contests. Clingan played 30 minutes against Indiana, and the Huskies are likely being cautious after a preseason foot injury.

Scouts would love to see the 7’2 big man play more minutes and prove he can impact the game in other ways. He is strictly a roll man and rim protector at this point. Can Clingan offer more? The 19-year-old is skilled at what he does even if there is nothing else.

The Rockets want to get back in contention quickly and desperately need rim protection. Alperen Sengun is locked in as their starting center and could be their most promising young talent, but having a backup to protect the rim would be a plus. Donovan Clingan can fill that role immediately with room to grow.