The Portland Trail Blazers have had plenty of positive moments this season. Donovan Clingan‘s consistency is a big reason behind much of their success this year. As the top choice for Tiago Splitter’s centers, Clingan has proven himself. With the Blazers’ playmakers, Clingan can succeed on both ends.
Donovan Clingan’s Consistency Is The Blazers’ Key To Victory
During the 2025-26 season, the Portland Trail Blazers have had many standouts. However, it is hard to dispute that Clingan is the most impressive player. Last season, he was a promising rookie because of his defensive presence and rebounding.
This season, Clingan’s consistency has been evident, making him the star center. He continues to be superb with his biggest strengths, but he has magically become a decent three-point shooter. With this skill set as the Blazers’ resident center, he is the barometer for this team’s success.
Clingan Is The Gold Standard For Splitter’s Centers
As a big man during his playing career, Splitter knows what it takes to stand out in the NBA. He played alongside a generational talent like Tim Duncan, so he has the knowledge to guide his players. Clingan is the most promising player on the roster, especially because of his two-way impact.
Clingan is already an elite paint protector, which is something that only a few players can say. Some people have compared him to Rudy Gobert, which is a massive compliment. The Frenchman is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, so the Blazers could have a generational defender.
Donovan Clingan is evolving into a monster…
Elite-tier giant-guy numbers: rim deterrence + protection & sick on the offensive glass. Increased his 3PAs a ton and is heating up from deep. Above average ball moving big man. High impact space-eater. pic.twitter.com/CzvWxjaUdW
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) February 16, 2026
Offensively, Clingan has become one of the most improved sophomores. In his rookie year, Clingan was mostly thriving with his work in the paint. He and Scoot Henderson had superb chemistry in the pick-and-roll. Clingan also impressed with his work on the boards, so he got plenty of put-backs.
Nowadays, Clingan is still thriving with those put-backs and pick-and-roll plays. However, he has also become a decent three-point shooter. That is huge for Portland’s offense because they can rely on him to stretch the floor. There is more dynamism within the Blazers’ offense because of Clingan’s newfound shooting.
Clingan’s Consistency Makes Him A Building Block
This season, Clingan is averaging 12 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. He is also quite impactful with his defense, with 1.6 blocks a night. Of course, he affects much more beyond the numbers. Clingan sets awesome screens, boxes out well, and is an intimidating presence in the paint.
With his status as the Blazers’ franchise center, he is the foundational piece they are building around. He has shown that he is ready to improve year on year as he doubled his offensive productivity. Considering he is also improving on defense, Clingan can be a two-way star for Portland.
Blocking spree for Donovan Clingan tonight 😤 pic.twitter.com/OL5bXrcmNT
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 14, 2026
He is the best example of Splitter’s centers who can get along with anyone the Blazers want. He and Henderson already have an established chemistry. Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Toumani Camara also work well alongside Donovan.
Even the veterans like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant thrive with him. That gets even better when thinking about Damian Lillard, who will make his return in the 2026-27 season.
The Blazers’ Playmakers Enjoy Playing With Clingan
Mar 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) lays up past Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Avdija, Henderson, and Holiday are the Blazers’ current playmakers. With that role, they have the ball in their hands most of the time they are on the floor. Considering the Blazers have an offense centered on the pick-and-roll, they link up regularly with Clingan.
Thankfully for acting head coach Tiago Splitter, Clingan can work well with anyone. He sets some of the league’s strongest screens, but he also knows how to move in the pick-and-roll. Clingan has the basketball IQ required to thrive in the short roll because of his passing as well.
As long as everyone is on the same page on offense, the Blazers can thrive in that part of the game. Of course, it has not been pretty this season, but the potential is there.
Considering Lillard will return, the pick-and-roll will be much more dangerous next season. Clingan will be the focal point, which Lillard and other ball-handlers will love.
Featured Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images