2024 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Spurs get 2 game-changers, Wizards land potential star at 1

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets) draft Donovan Clingan

Clingan helped the Huskies win an NCAA championship in 2023 as their backup big man. He returned for his sophomore season and took over as their starting center. The 20-year-old is averaging 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 21.9 minutes per game.

Clingan has played over 30 minutes just three times in two years and has dealt with foot and ankle injuries this season. He makes a significant impact on the floor, but there are questions about his role at the next level. Is he more Rudy Gobert or Isaiah Hartenstein? Both are impactful role players, but one is an All-Star and the other is best coming off the bench.

Having a 7’2 big man that controls the paint is a massive edge. Clingan protects the rim, rebounds, finishes well inside, and deters the opposition from driving. He will be a drop coverage big man and will be played off the floor in certain matchups.

The Thunder desperately need some size inside. Chet Holmgren will play plenty of minutes at center, but his slight frame creates problems against larger opposition. Nikola Jokic is not going anywhere, so Oklahoma City needs a big body inside if they plan on winning the Western Conference. Clingan could be an impactful backup big man with room to grow into a starter and key contributor on a title contender.