Center is one of the toughest positions to play in the NBA because of all the responsibilities. Donovan Clingan has become the Portland Trail Blazers’ franchise center with ease, shining in Tiago Splitter’s system. With Clingan’s potential, it is hard not to see him being one of the league’s top defenders.
Donovan Clingan is Proving He is the Blazers’ Franchise Center
The Portland Trail Blazers have a long history of failed centers. They might have had Bill Walton as a franchise cornerstone in the 1970s, but he quickly faded away. Walton was a superstar who led Portland to its first and only NBA title in 1977.
Since then, the Blazers have had rotten luck with their centers. They selected Sam Bowie one pick before Michael Jordan, and they chose Greg Oden one pick before Kevin Durant.
Now, it looks like the tables have turned because they have found the Blazers’ franchise center. Donovan Clingan, who the Blazers drafted seventh overall last year, has cemented himself as a future star.
Picking the Blazers’ Franchise Center is Easy
The Blazers gambled by selecting Yang Hansen in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is not the finished product yet, but he does have the potential to be a top offensive center. However, that might have messed up the long-term rotation.
Clingan looks ready to be the Blazers’ starting center for the next decade. He fits what they want to do, as he is a monster in the paint. Clingan is not the offensive talent that Yang is, but he is infinitely better at the other aspects.
Donovan Clingan over the last 6 games:
14.3 PPG
12.3 RPG
3.0 APG
2.0 BPG
53.3% FG
38.1% 3P
26.5 MPG pic.twitter.com/uxIP8O8ET0— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 25, 2025
At 21, Clingan is already one of the league’s best rebounders. He is at his best in the paint because he always finds the ball. Offensive rebounding has been one of his biggest strengths, as he helps Portland get more possessions.
Defensively, Clingan has limitless potential. He regularly blocks shots, but he is also an intimidating presence in the paint. Clingan reminds people of Rudy Gobert when talking about his defensive impact. Considering Gobert has four Defensive Player of the Year awards, that is a great comparison to live up to.
Some people might prefer Yang, but it is silly to ignore Clingan. He proved he is a winning player in college, and he is a silver lining in Portland’s season so far.
Clingan’s Potential is Limitless in Portland’s Team
The Blazers’ roster has plenty of talented players, especially on defense. Toumani Camara is a standout, earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod in the 2024-25 season. Clingan can also reach that level, as he has Defensive Player of the Year award potential.
In the 2025-26 season, Clingan is averaging 10.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He is only 21, so he has room to grow on both ends of the floor. Clingan is also shooting more three-pointers this season. Even if he doesn’t hit many of them, he is willing to put them up, which is a good sign.
Apart from Clingan’s impact on defense and his scoring, he is also an intelligent player. He seemingly makes the right decision all the time, which is a good trait in a center. Clingan can pass the ball well when given the chance, and he is a good communicator with his teammates.
With all his traits, Clingan has a tremendous attitude. He always battles for his teammates, and the 7’2″ center does not back down from anyone. To combine his traits, skill set, and personality, the Blazers’ franchise center seems a natural role for him.
Splitter’s System Can Maximize Clingan Even More
Clingan is already one of the best young centers in the league. However, it is up to the coaching staff to maximize his skill set. Acting head coach Tiago Splitter is the right man for that.
Splitter is one of the important people behind Alperen Sengun’s rise to stardom. While Clingan does not have the natural knack for scoring, Splitter can still set him up for success.
Within Splitter’s system, Clingan is superb on defense. However, he is a bit limited on offense because he can take too many threes at times. Splitter should do his best to maximize Clingan in the pick-and-roll, as the young center has shown potential.
As long as Splitter can help Clingan be a star within his system, the Blazers have a bright future.
© Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
