Ranking top 5 Wizards draft targets to be their franchise centerpiece
By Jack Simone
3. Donovan Clingan
The Washington Wizards should be targeting players with the most upside in this year’s draft class, and despite being a bit older than some guys, UConn big man Donovan Clingan definitely falls under that distinction.
Clingan is entering the draft fresh off of two National Championship wins with the Huskies and is one of the more NBA-ready guys in the class.
Recent reports have indicated that a bunch of teams are even interested in trading up to take Clingan, with the Memphis Grizzlies being one team mentioned.
Considering Ja Morant will be coming back, the fact that the Grizzlies are interested in Clingan should speak volumes. They want to win now, so they must believe that he’s ready to help contribute right away.
For the Wizards, bringing in Clingan would be bringing in one of the best defensive players in the class. A guy who would help them completely transform their defense.
He’s massive, a proven winner, and a guy who has risen up draft boards throughout the years. Most mocks don’t have him going in the top two, but the Wizards should absolutely have him on their radar. The 20-year-old big man would be a great choice with the second overall pick.