{"id":162931,"date":"2025-10-16T14:07:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T18:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=162931"},"modified":"2025-10-16T14:07:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T18:07:08","slug":"donovan-clingan-is-making-the-blazers-lineup-easier-for-billups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/10\/16\/donovan-clingan-is-making-the-blazers-lineup-easier-for-billups\/","title":{"rendered":"Donovan Clingan is Making the Blazers’ Lineup Easier for Billups"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even if the Portland Trail Blazers have lost some preseason games, they have been impressive. Donovan Clingan<\/a> has been a standout player in Chauncey Billups’ system. With his performances, Clingan’s potential has been quite evident, and his role in the Blazers’ lineup is clear.<\/p>\n

Donovan Clingan is Making the Blazers’ Lineup Easier for Billups<\/h2>\n

For the Portland Trail Blazers, building towards the future has been the goal for a while. In 2023, Damian Lillard<\/a> left for the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the end of an era when he was the superstar. Since that exit, Portland has quietly built a strong core of young players.<\/p>\n

Even though Lillard has returned<\/a>, Portland’s future is the primary focus. Thankfully, they have a promising young core, which includes second-year center Donovan Clingan. At only 21, Clingan has earned the starting spot for Portland, a role he could play for the long-term future<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Clingan is Already Making Improvements to His Game<\/h3>\n

Clingan was impressive during his rookie season. However, he had some conditioning issues that hampered his minutes. The coaching staff knew that he would struggle playing 30 minutes, so he had limited stints in the Blazers’ lineup.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Clingan knew this was a major weakness. Over the summer, he made sure to work on his conditioning, especially since he is a starter now.<\/p>\n

“It was a summer of getting in the best shape I can and as strong as I can. Being able to screen and roll at high speed and being able to finish at the rim efficiently. Really stepping out and working on my three-ball,” Clingan said during Media Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Love, love seeing Donovan Clingan showcase his mobility too<\/p>\n

Think he struggled with his conditioning to start last year, but he\u2019s looking to leave those issues behind him pic.twitter.com\/UeiUHeumqV<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/JYf1xy6CcJ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) October 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n