NBA Draft 2024: Projecting the top 5 picks in the 1st round of the draft
2nd overall: Washington Wizards - C, Donovan Clingan, Connecticut
Not many have expressed the idea of Donovan Clingan going number two to the Wizards; however, it is as seamless as a fit in the top five for the Connecticut star. The Wizards current starting center next season would be either Marvin Bagley III or Richaun Holmes. It was by far the weakest position on the Wizards roster once they parted ways with Daniel Gafford last season.
Many think Zaccharie Risacher is the selection here, and it very well could be, but the Wizards already have Kyle Kuzma, Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, whom they drafted last year, and Deni Avdija. All four showed promise in their roles. Risacher doesn't fit as well as some believe he does.
The Wizards will potentially be considering up to nine prospects for the No. 2 overall pick, per @JoshuaBRobbins (https://t.co/ZH2d6omT1I):
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 13, 2024
Alex Sarr
Zaccharie Risacher
Nikola Topić
Donovan Clingan
Rob Dillingham
Reed Sheppard
Matas Buzelis
Stephon Castle
Dalton Knecht pic.twitter.com/O7UegRNvZK
Clingan would provide an anchor for one of the worst-defensive teams in the NBA last season. His ability to be an athlete at his height is uncommon, and we saw in college that his defensive presence alone was enough to value his worth, and he showed that night and night out on the biggest stage during his time at UConn. He averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, and the Wizards more than any team could use a center of Clingan's caliber.