The next step for Donovan Clingan is to improve on the offensive end. If he can do that for the Portland Trail Blazers, then it takes their team to a whole new level. Portland needs guys who can show up when it matters most, putting points on the board, especially with the ball in their hands. If Clingan can be that, that's another guy for them.
Right now, heading into the upcoming season, Deni Avdija is going to be the Blazers’ primary option. Damian Lillard and Ja Morant are going to handle the ball a lot as well, as well as Shaedon Sharpe when he returns from injury. But if Clingan can become an even more reliable scorer, it adds an extra layer of offensive depth to the Blazers roster that they didn't have before.
Having a center who can step up on the offensive end when it matters most is a huge advantage for teams around the league. Clingan is already a good defender and an elite rebounder, but if he can improve on offense, it would take his game to another level.
Improved Donovan Clingan offense would be great for Blazers
Clingan just needs to find ways to score. He doesn't even necessarily need to be the guy with the ball on his hands to make it happen. although, that would be even better.
If Clingan can run the pick-and-roll more effectively, nail even more threes, or focus on getting to the line off of offensive rebounds, it would help the Blazers offense a ton.
He's already good in some of those areas. This is not an indictment on Clingan. He is a good young player. But there is always room to improve, especially for young players.
The Blazers are at a point in their rebuild where they want to try to win in the playoffs. They made the playoffs last year, but they were bounced in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, as they look for different ways to win in April, May and, June, an improved Clingan on the offensive end could give them another look to roll with.
Avdija is going to have the ball in his hands a lot. It seems like Lillard could as well. So will Morant. But what if Clingan becomes a dominant pick-and-roll threat? What if Clingan adds some post moves to his bag? What if his offense becomes a legitimate tool for the Blazers to run through at times?
If any of those things come true, Portland's offense could be even better than it already projects to be.
