I'm rooting for Clingan. He knows how to play fundamental basketball on both ends, is smart, has good hands and his defensive instincts and length speak for themselves. On offense, in addition to rolling to the basket, he needs to master the pick-and-pop mid-range jumper. Maybe down the line he can become a 3-point threat but that isn't important now. IMO, his future is very bright.
I researched Clingan quite a bit before the draft and felt he could/would develop three-point range, but I'm amazed how quickly he has done it. He's shooting 37-38% from three over the last 43 games, taking 3-4 attempts a game. It's not just the good percentage but the fact he's very comfortable taking this many this soon. He took a total of 9 three-point point attempts in two seasons at UConn. It looks very similar to what Brook Lopez did, in the span of one offseason, to modernize his game for the NBA.
I don't know but I doubt they would. Clingan is a major prospect imo. He is already a better rebounder, defender and shooter, not to mention bigger, younger, cheaper. Blazers also drafted a Sengun archetype in Yang Hansen that they hope to develop (early results not great but who knows). To me, Clingan has everything you would want in a center except defending in space. Finishing needs to improve also.
The combination of 3PT shooting and elite offensive rebounding is very rare, throw in rim protection and you have quite an attractive combination of skills. Both Ware and Clingan do it, Kessler showed off a shot for his first 5 games before going down with an injury as well. I know Wemby would be able to do it if he wanted to, but they don't position him for it. One of these centers would almost be required to accommodate both Amen and Reed.
