Washington Wizards should take Donovan Clingan as second pick

Among the 30 NBA teams, the Washington Wizards lack direction perhaps more than any other franchise. They have won just 15 games this season and are moving forward without even the slightest semblance of a blue-chip prospect to build on. Even with the second pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the franchise-defining candidate is unlikely to be in sight.

For the Wizards, however, this pick is by far the most sensible choice, Donovan Clingan.

Since Washington's two top young players right now, Deni Avdija and Bilal Coulibaly, are defensive-minded wings, Clingan's basket-protecting skills could help Washington build a strong team defense in the future. To win in the near future, Washington will need to specialize on one side of the ball, and Clingan offers them the opportunity to do just that on defense.

Behind the long wing defense of Avdija and Coulibaly, Clingan's 7'1″ frame and 7'2″ wingspan will provide strength around the basket. Not only does the 20-year-old have the massive 280-pound frame needed to block shots, but he also has advanced skills as a center back. He's quick to get going, has a knack for finding shots with his hands, and has a great sense of angles and positioning. He racks up a lot of blocks and plays a conservative defensive style that avoids costly mistakes.

At just 20 years old, Clingan still has room to grow. As he gains experience, he can build even more strength, improve his agility and refine his reading comprehension.

Clingan doesn't have the offensive potential of the top picks of years past, but he has a clear shot at NBA offensive roles. His size helps tremendously with finishing inside, he sets tough blocks, and he can destroy the offensive boards. He probably won't score a lot of points, but Clingan has the skills to fill simplified offensive roles at the NBA level.

If he's likely to be available with the second overall pick, the Wizards should take Clingan off the board and build an elite defensive team.

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