The Portland Trail Blazers’ newest addition, Donovan Clingan, had a very impressive NBA Summer League showing where he posted an average of 9.0 points per game while also leading all performers with 12.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game.

That performance earned Clingan the #5 spot on a list of the top performing rookies at Summer League by SBNation’s Ricky O’Donnell.

Clingan’s defense looked as good as advertised in Las Vegas, leading all qualified rookies with 4.25 blocks and 12.3 rebounds per game. It was stunning to see him block a Bub Carrington three-pointer on an island, and stand up Alex Sarr on rolls to the rim. Clingan’s offense is less polished, but it’s nice to see him test out of the limits of his skill set in a setting like summer league. Clingan struggled to finish around the basket at times — how does someone so large finishing with 40.3 percent true shooting? — but he also showed a newfound willingness to stretch the floor. After taking only nine three-pointers across 74 college games at UConn, Clingan fired 13 threes (and made three of them) in four games in Vegas. When Clingan gets a runway he can attack the rim with force. He’ll need to do that with more consistency long-term to become a complete player, but his defense already looks excellent.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was Portland’s only selection in the draft and will have competition in the frontcourt with centers Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.

Clingan’s defense was his premier trait heading into the draft and that prowess was on full display in his Summer League performances. His shooting percentages left some to be desired, but with a point guard like Scoot Henderson helming pick-and-rolls in the regular season, Clingan should be able to get easy chances around the basket that were unavailable during Summer League.