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Donovan Clingan · Only a half-year removed from trimming down the nets in celebration of his title-winning run on the collegiate stage, Donovan Clingan found that his next on-court milestone would poetically arrive at roughly the same location. Nimble in running the floor during what had rapidly become a back-and-forth track meet, the 7-foot-2 center speeds through the heart of the paint, joining his teammates in putting immediate pressure on the Golden State Warriors’ transition defense. Somehow hidden in plain sight as his teammates prescribe the pass-heavy Warriors a taste of its own medicine, Clingan — following his teammate’s double team draw — offers the finishing touch, gently floating in a layup for his NBA career’s inaugural basket. Showing glimpses of his at-the-rim potential on both ends, Clingan, even during the Portland Trail Blazers’ home-opening loss on October 23, 2024, contributed to the statistical ledger with two points (on one-of-two), two rebounds, a steal, and a block on October 23, 2024. · State of Mint