The Portland Trail Blazers’ future remains bright because of their current trajectory. With Donovan Clingan‘s development becoming a big part of their plans, they already have a franchise center. Add Damian Lillard‘s impact on top of that, and it makes him even better.
Donovan Clingan’s Development Is Key for the Blazers’ Future
It was a superb 2025-26 season for the Trail Blazers, as they reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021. This was a return to form for the Trail Blazers, as they finally encapsulated their status as the plucky underdogs that are hard to beat.
Deni Avdija‘s emergence as a breakout was one of the best stories of 2025, and the Trail Blazers had a team around him that also stood out. One of the players who had a solid season was Clingan, who consistently showed his tremendous defense and reliable rebounding. Unfortunately, the season ended in a 4-1 first-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs, which included disappointing performances from the second-year big man.
Clingan Brings Good Luck to Portland’s Center Position
For the longest time, the Blazers had some bad luck with centers. They had the likes of Sam Bowie and Greg Oden deal with significant injuries, while Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis came to the league too late. Even in the modern game, Jusuf Nurkic also suffered a significant injury.
That is why Clingan’s arrival was huge for Portland because he seemed like the reliable center they have wanted for a long time. In fact, he has already proven himself to be the best option at the position just two seasons in.
Clingan’s development has been superb. He was already a positive defender in his rookie season, but he improved in his second year. In addition to his defense and rebounding, Clingan also developed a 3-point shot, which made him even more dangerous on offense.
Now that he is headed into his third season in the league, he can look to improve further. That growth is already on display with his latest Instagram post, which features him working out with Lillard. With a pick-and-roll maestro like the nine-time All-Star, Clingan could be one of the league’s best centers.
Dame and Clingan getting some offseason work in together 👀🔥
Cannot wait to watch this duo! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tDLFOH4L1d
— ᴛʏʟᴇʀ (@blazersforreal) June 2, 2026
Clingan’s Development Helps Him Improve His Role
As the franchise center for Portland, it can be hard to live up to that billing. That seems like a non-issue for Clingan because he is ready to keep cementing himself as a top player. This is significant for the Blazers’ future, as he seems set to stay in Portland for a long time.
Defense and rebounding might be Clingan’s biggest strengths, but he still has some things to iron out. His perimeter shooting was a surprise this season, but he still shot 34.1% from deep. It’s a below-average number that can only improve if he becomes more diverse with his shot diet.
Donovan Clingan appreciation post:
In his last 15 games, he’s averaging 14.0 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.9 BPG, and shooting 39% from three.
Most underrated big in the league 👀
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 24, 2026
With Lillard’s impact as a high-level offensive player, he might work on the pick-and-pop with Clingan. That will diversify Clingan’s offense tenfold, especially if he learns how to attack closeouts. It will be tougher since he is 7’2″ with a limited handle, but it is still possible.
Lillard’s return will certainly be a huge part of how the Blazers can improve. He is the type of superstar who makes everyone around him better, and not just Clingan. Others like Toumani Camara and Shaedon Sharpe will surely benefit from having a dynamic leader like him.
Lillard’s Impact Might Be Significant For Clingan
A proven leader and point guard like Lillard can help any player in the league. Lillard is already a legend in Portland, and he has already helped the younger Blazers in his return. Despite sitting out the campaign while recovering from a torn Achilles, he got to mentor plenty of the younger players like Sharpe, Clingan, and Scoot Henderson.
Lillard will once again be a major factor next season. The Blazers will be happy to welcome him back because they know he will have a special impact on the city and his teammates. Clingan could very well be the biggest beneficiary with their budding pick-and-roll partnership.
© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
