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Donovan Clingan · After putting top-of-the-league shot-blocking potential on display in limited time over the Portland Trail Blazers’ first 12 games, Donovan Clingan found that becoming the man of the hour only required a few extra minutes. Putting the introductions on what would become a five-block fourth quarter, Donovan Clingan plants a “No Trespassing” sign along the paint, diagnosing the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dribble handoff plans from a mile away. Nimble in his leap with Naz Reid driving downhill, Clingan sends the Minnesota Timberwolves’ gifted big man away, rejecting a layup attempt away with ferocity. No. 1 in blocks among 2024’s rookie class, the No. 7 pick helped Portland secure back-to-back wins over one of the Western Conference’s elites in successive days. In what became a part of a historic, 17-game stretch with at least one block to begin his career, Clingan enjoyed a breakout game on November 13, 2024, tallying 17 points (on 6-of-10 shooting), 12 rebounds, eight blocks, and a +15 plus-minus. · State of Mint