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Donovan Clingan is Making the Blazers’ Lineup Easier for Billups

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 2:07 PM ET

Even if the Portland Trail Blazers have lost some preseason games, they have been impressive. Donovan Clingan 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.

Donovan Clingan is Making the Blazers’ Lineup Easier for Billups

For the Portland Trail Blazers, building towards the future has been the goal for a while. In 2023, Damian Lillard 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.

Even though Lillard has returned, 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.

Clingan is Already Making Improvements to His Game

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.

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.

“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.

Love, love seeing Donovan Clingan showcase his mobility too

Think he struggled with his conditioning to start last year, but he’s looking to leave those issues behind him pic.twitter.com/UeiUHeumqV https://t.co/JYf1xy6CcJ

— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) October 15, 2025

“A lot better shape. There are times in practice and runs where last year, I was absolutely winded,” he continued. “There were times last year in runs where I would get winded. Now I can keep going. My conditioning is the biggest thing I’ve improved this offseason.”

Clingan’s Potential is Clear for Everyone

The Trail Blazers have historically struggled with drafting centers. Sam Bowie and Greg Oden are the most notable picks, as they were second and first overall, respectively. Both players were the selections before generational players in Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant.

After his strong rookie season, Clingan looks to be a success story in the Blazers’ lineup. Portland has been lucky to have a talented center like him.

In the modern NBA, a top center is a near requirement for any team that wants to compete. With Clingan, the Blazers have a player with an extremely high ceiling. The potential is there, especially on the defensive side of the game.

This was as clear as day during the second preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. In under 12 minutes, Clingan already had a double-double. He finished the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds, further proof that he deserves the starting spot.

Clingan is Standing Out in Coach Billups’ System

Within the Blazers’ rotation, Donovan Clingan is the best choice to start at center. Some people might argue for Robert Williams III, but he has never been healthy enough to do so. People see Duop Reath playing as the backup, but rookie center Yang Hansen has found the right team for him.

Clingan is the undisputed starting center because he provides elite defense. With that, he also has the potential to be a difference-maker on offense, especially in the pick-and-roll. He and Scoot Henderson had some chemistry brewing in the 2024-25 season.

Jrue Holiday is also a big help for Clingan because he knows how to set up his big men. As long as Clingan gets the minutes he deserves in Billups’ system, he will develop well. If the Blazers trust him for the long-term future, Clingan is a winning player who can lead them to success.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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