2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
6) Charlotte Hornets-Donovan Clingan
The Charlotte Hornets have been disappointing over the last two seasons after making the playoffs in 2021–22, but another high lottery pick may get them back. Although they already have a promising starting center in Mark Williams, if he is still on the board, they will likely select Connecticut center Donovan Clingan. After ranking 26th in defensive rating last season, drafting the best rim protector in this class makes a lot of sense and Clingan could make an immediate impact.
After all, he is the second tallest player in this draft class, at 7'2 with a 7'9 wingspan and his ability to shut down the paint has been compared to four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert. However, unlike Gobert, there is the outside chance that he can develop an outside shot.
In fact, he has even impressed in workouts with that underdeveloped skill. Even without it, he could help boost the Hornets, who already have a promising core consisting of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Clingan might be a piece that helps make them a perennial playoff team if they were to take him sixth overall.