Portland Trail Blazers first-year (soon-to-be second-year) center Donovan Clingan has goals for year 2: “

In a piece from Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian, Clingan and his Blazers colleagues talk about how the young center has developed his first year and what he can do to get better next year:

Become quicker.

Develop touch around the rim.

Convert pocket touches to points with better inside moves.

Improve shooting form.

Knock down three-point shots more consistently.

Become stronger and more physical.

Blazers veteran center Deandre Ayton had praise and challenge for Clingan, and both were welcomed and appreciated:

“It was great to see DC out there get some good bump,” Ayton said. “Knowing that he’s a two-time national championship guy, I know he wasn’t used to coming off the bench. So, just having the half of the season, starting, you could definitely see the confidence build up. And you saw his body change a little bit, him getting into better shape.”

Clingan appreciated Ayton’s support and critiques during the season.

“If I’m not playing the way I should be, he’ll let me know,” Clingan said. “But if I’m playing well and doing what I have to do, he can be my biggest supporter. I really appreciate that. He’s someone I look up to.”

Clingan would also have no problem playing Summer League for the Blazers again if called upon:

“I love basketball,” he said. “I want to play whenever I can.”

The biggest developmental opportunity fans may have noticed watching Clingan play this year was his conditioning and his ability to handle big minutes. It’s been a focus for Clingan, especially after an early season injury throw off his routine:

“After that, I really locked in,” he said. He focused on his body, hoping to become ready to handle 30 minutes per game if needed. “I was able to do that,” he said. Coach Chauncey Billups didn’t need all 30 each night after Ayton went down, but Clingan played at least 27 minutes 12 times over his final 27 appearances.

Centers – especially extra-large centers like the 7’2” Clingan – usually need some time to adjust to the NBA game, and it was encouraging to see how the end of the season played out for him. In those last 27 games, he averaged 25.5 minutes, 8.3 points, 10.0 boards, and 1.8 blocks with just 3.2 fouls.