3 reasons why Donovan Clingan will be the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 NBA draft

Donovan Clingan has taken over draft conversations in the past few weeks after his individual workouts. While he has always been a top-five pick, Clingan has found himself to be a potential No. 1 selection after the successful workout with the Atlanta Hawks.

Following a poor-performing freshman season, Clingan quickly improved his game, overcoming a foot injury early in the season. In his sophomore year with the UConn Huskies, the center averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 63.9% from the floor.

Reasons why Donovan Clingan will be the No. 1 overall draft pick

#1 Lack of interest over Alex Sarr

For a while, Alex Sarr has been the predicted No. 1 pick. However, it was reported that the Frenchman had refused multiple times to work out with the Hawks.

His apparent disinterest with the team, in addition to their assessments might lead to Atlanta looking for other options.

Clingan, on the other hand, engaged in workouts with otheer teams could be a top choice.

#2 Atlanta Hawks' goals

Unlike the San Antonio Spurs, the Hawks don't seem interested in rebuilding their roster. They are looking for players who can contribute immediately to the team and Clingan fits the goal.

In addition to this, Atlanta coach Quin Snyder has experience in building a team around a big man, as he did with DPOY Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz. All these make him an attractive option for the Hawks.

#3 Higher upside˘

At 20, Donovan Clingan is still learning and growing his game. He showed immense growth in his performance from his freshman to sophomore year as he doubled his numbers and improved his shooting skills.

He still has more to learn with his shooting from deep, but his basic skills are strong enough to be built upon.

"The idea that Clingan could help change a team's defensive identity could sway teams to consider him before bigger projects with more versatility or perceived higher ceilings," Bleacher Reports' Jonathan Wasserman wrote.

"There is also a sure-thing factor tied to his enormous physical profile and translatable inside scoring, rebounding and rim protection. In a draft without obvious stars, Clingan's certainty could hold extra weight."

What are your thoughts on Donovan Clingan going No. 1? Let us know in the comment section below.