2024 NBA Draft: Wizards Should Select Donovan Clingan No. 2 Overall

No. 2 Pick In 2024 NBA Draft

As the NBA Draft approaches, the Washington Wizards find themselves with a critical decision to make at the No. 2 overall pick. The betting market (FanDuel) is currently led by Zaccharie Risacher at -135 and Alexandre Sarr at +165, but it’s Donovan Clingan, sitting at +1100, who offers a compelling and strategic choice for the Wizards.

Addressing a Critical Need: Donovan Clingan's Fit

The Wizards are embarking on a full rebuild, and selecting Donovan Clingan, the 7-foot-2 center from UConn, would address their most glaring positional need. Clingan's elite defensive capabilities are underscored by his averages of 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His performance in the NCAA Tournament, where he outplayed his opponents and led UConn to back-to-back championships, has vaulted his draft stock significantly. His size and defensive prowess would provide an immediate upgrade to a Wizards team that struggled defensively, ranking last in opponent paint points allowed per game at 58.4.

A High-Reward Prospect: Why Clingan is a Best Bet

While Risacher and Sarr are talented prospects, Clingan offers a unique blend of reliability and upside. His defensive metrics are outstanding; he ranked ninth in the country in Defensive Rating and fourth in Defensive Box Plus/Minus. His 7-foot-2, 280-pound frame, combined with a 7-6.75 wingspan, makes him a formidable presence in the paint, an area where the Wizards were significantly deficient last season. Furthermore, Clingan’s ability to dominate around the rim, as evidenced by his near 64% field goal percentage, ensures he can contribute offensively by capitalizing on high-percentage shots.

The Best Bet for the Wizards

Given the uncertainty at the top of this draft, selecting Donovan Clingan at +1100 odds offers the Wizards a near sure thing in terms of defensive impact and positional need. Clingan's proven track record, both at the collegiate level and in his ability to affect games defensively, positions him as a strategic and impactful choice. His selection would not only shore up Washington’s interior defense but also bring a winning mentality to a franchise in desperate need of both talent and size.

In conclusion, while Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr are worthy candidates, Donovan Clingan stands out as the most sensible and strategic pick for the Wizards at No. 2. His combination of defensive dominance, physical presence, and winning pedigree makes him the best bet to help the Wizards begin their rebuild on a solid foundation.