The Portland Path Blazers shocked the basketball world within the 2024 NBA Draft in June when the membership selected to take the perfect participant out there. College of Connecticut Huskies middle and two-time NCAA champion Donovan Clingan, projected by many to be a top-five decide within the draft, was surprisingly nonetheless out there when Portland’s No. 7 decide got here alongside.
Regardless of already having three rotation-caliber facilities, Portland normal supervisor Joe Cronin has chosen to maximise expertise over want. Beginning middle Deandre Ayton is the costliest participant on the roster. The 26-year-old has put up some first rate numbers, however he lacks the defensive chops that Clingan makes a speciality of. Ayton is making $69.6 million over the ultimate two years of his present contract, a price ticket so inflated that he could not fetch a lot on the commerce market except he critically rehabilitates his worth. The 7-foot-4 Arizona product’s 16.7 factors (57 p.c discipline purpose capturing, 82.3 p.c free throw capturing), 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per night time could also be spectacular numbers in a vacuum, however not spectacular sufficient to justify his wage with out above-average protection — or so the pondering goes.
However Portland might want to play Ayton closely this season to spice up that commerce worth, whereas concurrently attempting to lose as typically as potential, with its eyes set on the 2025 NBA Draft class that may probably be led by Duke freshman energy ahead Cooper Flagg. It’s a fragile steadiness to strike on a roster that additionally options veteran second-team defensive finish Robert Williams III, who seems extra cell due to a reasonably cheap two years and $25.7 million remaining on his contract. Duop Reath, a 27-year-old rookie final yr, has confirmed he can no less than be a reliable backup on a lottery group. However he will be the one feeling probably the most strain, given Clingan’s intriguing potential.
Study extra: Path Blazers Information: Portland May Look to Commerce Facilities This Offseason
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report additionally believes the membership’s choice to depend on 4 stage 5 gamers in rotation could not have been the wisest choice to have made this summer season.
“Time will inform if Donovan Clingan was the precise selection at No. 7, however the Blazers want to determine the right way to give the rookie middle sufficient taking part in time to show himself. Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III and Duop Reath are a part of a logjam at No. 5 that would stop Clingan from taking part in a lot,” Hughes wrote.
“Williams is an apparent commerce candidate, and Portland needs to be keen to maneuver Ayton for impartial worth on the first alternative. Proper now, although, the Blazers are overloaded at middle,” Hughes added.
It appears unlikely that the membership will end with all 4 of its pivots nonetheless within the squad, no less than if Cronin may help them.
Extra Path Blazers: Reporters doubt Blazers will maintain two younger stars in Portland long run
