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Donovan Clingan's Breakout Performance Highlights Blazers' Future Potential

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 7:25 PM ET

Donovan Clingan just put himself in the history books. In a season filled with struggles for the Portland Trail Blazers, the rookie center delivered a monster performance against the Denver Nuggets on February 12, 2025, dropping 17 points and pulling down a career-high 20 rebounds. That stat line alone is impressive, but here’s what makes it even bigger—Clingan is the first Blazers rookie to grab 20 or more boards in a game since Sam Bowie did it back in 1985.

This was exactly the kind of breakout moment Portland needed, especially with the roster already banged up. Starting center Deandre Ayton went down with a left calf strain in the same game and is expected to be out for at least a month. On top of that, Scoot Henderson was sidelined for the next game with an ankle sprain, leaving the Blazers even more shorthanded. But Clingan? He stepped up when the team needed him most.

The seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Clingan has had his share of ups and downs this season. He missed seven games earlier in the year with a left knee injury, and his numbers—5.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game—haven’t exactly jumped off the page. But performances like this one show why Portland drafted him in the first place. His size, rebounding instincts, and ability to hold his own against elite bigs are all reasons why the Blazers believe he can be a long-term piece in their rebuild.

Chauncey Billups was quick to praise his rookie’s effort, emphasizing Clingan’s work ethic and commitment to getting better. Even Kevin Durant took notice, pointing out that games like these are proof of a promising career ahead.

For a team that’s been searching for silver linings in a tough season, Clingan’s emergence is a much-needed boost. He’s not just filling minutes—he’s showing flashes of a player who could be a key part of Portland’s future. With Ayton out, the opportunity is there for him to take on an even bigger role. If this game was any indication, he’s ready for it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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