We’re just over a week away from the NBA Draft, and it’s still not any clearer where former UConn stars Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle will land. Both former Huskies are projected to be top-10, and possibly top-5 picks, and a number of teams are reportedly interested in trading up to land them.
Late last week, USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky reported that the Houston Rockets, who own the No. 3 pick, were set to host Clingan for a predraft workout.
The 7-foot-2 center has already worked out for the Atlanta Hawks, who own the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the Portland Trail Blazers, who pick at No. 7. Clingan reportedly “made an impression” on the Hawks, according to CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein, and UConn head coach Dan Hurley told CBS’ Matt Norlander that Atlanta “really likes” him.
It’s possible that Atlanta may be setting up a smoke screen as teams try and predict what they will do with the No. 1 pick. Most experts have the Hawks selecting French forwards Zaccharie Risacher or Alex Sarr, though Clingan may be seen as the ‘safest’ option on the board, and it’s been reported that Atlanta has explored the possibility of trading down and choosing Clingan.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that Clingan will not fall below the Blazers at No. 7, and that the team will take him with that selection if he is still available. Other reports have the Chicago Bulls keen on trading up for the former UConn big man, as well as the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Teams are intrigued by Clingan’s size, athleticism and potential for growth. The big man from Bristol averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last season in helping the Huskies to a second straight national title.
Castle, meanwhile, has been projected as high as No. 3 to the Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly interested in him at No. 4, as the team needs a point guard to get the ball to last year’s No. 1 overall pick and star big man Victor Wembanyama. Castle has reportedly told teams that despite being used as a combo guard at UConn, he’d like to be considered a point guard in the NBA, and has reportedly turned down workouts with teams that already have established starters at the position.
The 6-6 Castle averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game as a freshman at UConn last season.
The first round of the NBA Draft is set for Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
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