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Watch: Donovan Clingan in Summer League rookie dunk-off
Donovan Clingan. Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Donovan Clingan in Summer League rookie dunk-off

Two rookie centers went toe-to-toe Monday in Las Vegas, and no rims were safe.

First, Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick in June’s draft, surged down the lane to dunk on Adem Bona. Then Bona, the No. 41 pick out of UCLA, returned the favor.

Bona signed a standard NBA contract with the 76ers after his selection in the second round. He won Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-12 last season, and a big defensive play he made on Clingan may have inspired the Portland big man’s dunk.

Clingan again looked good defensively in Portland’s 97-95 win over Philadelphia. He blocked three shots, including a game-saving rejection of fellow first-rounder Jared McCain in the final minute.

The jump shot wasn’t good, but Clingan delivered 11 rebounds and five assists, an encouraging sign. Like Bona, who will likely sit behind Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, Clingan will have time to develop next season backing up Deandre Ayton.

While we’re talking about dunks, we should mention Philly’s Summer League hero, Ricky Council IV. Not only has Council showed off impressive shot-making so far in Vegas, but he also appears committed to trying to finish off every Sixers fast break with a reverse dunk.

So far, Clingan and Bona both look ready to contribute in the NBA, at least a little bit. And based on Monday’s game, they both have a future in creating posters.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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