Donovan Clingan’s rookie campaign with the Portland Trail Blazers left many watchers with questions about his long-term impact on the NBA. If it wasn’t for Victor Wembanyama, Clingan could have been in line for a couple of Defensive Player of the Year awards. Clingan and Sarr probably earn a few All-Defensive Team honors, maybe contend for Defensive Player of the Year titles alongside Victor Wembanyama. As for the UConn teammates, Clingan has a bigger influence on the success of this Blazers team when comparing Castle on the Spurs. Whether that makes Clingan the better player is also subjective, but as of right now, the center might have the edge over his former college teammate.

Source: New York Times April 05, 2026 00:17 UTC