UConn in the NBA Jan 2026

[HW611]

Wasn’t it like a month ago that you were arguing he should model his game after Zubac (who has taken a dozen threes in his entire career) and that it was a waste of time for him to be taking any threes until he masters his post game? I’m very confused where you currently stand on the appropriateness of how Clingan is being deployed by the Blazers.

A poster tried to write off him ever having a post game while saying he should keep working on his 3s.

I took objection to that because it was another case of this board only being capable of talking about becoming a better 3 point shooter and acting like every other skill doesn’t matter and can’t be worked on.

I noted how guys like Zubac and Duren were killing it without chucking 3s.

It’s cool Clingan has a hot streak going on. But as another poster pointed out, it also came with him taking more 2s and not having almost half his attempts be 3s which was the issue at the time.

Taking more 2s and having success from there naturally makes the 3s you take afterwards easier.

 

[caw]

A poster tried to write off him ever having a post game while saying he should keep working on his 3s.

I took objection to that because it was another case of this board only being capable of talking about becoming a better 3 point shooter and acting like every other skill doesn’t matter and can’t be worked on.

I noted how guys like Zubac and Duren were killing it without chucking 3s.

It’s cool Clingan has a hot streak going on. But as another poster pointed out, it also came with him taking more 2s and not having almost half his attempts be 3s which was the issue at the time.

Taking more 2s and having success from there naturally makes the 3s you take afterwards easier.

Just eyeballing game logs and monthly averages:


I agree with your point but two things: this is not exactly a hot streak. He’s played 32 games this year. The first 16 he was at about 25% from three. The last 16 he is at about 50%.

He has been pretty consistent at 2-3 a game. It has decreased fractionally but from about 2.8 to 2.2 or so.

His total shot attempts have also decreased so he’s not exactly getting more post touches/dump offs/whatever. In the last 16 games he has yet to exceed 10 total shot attempts more than a single time.

His scoring increase is almost solely due to improved shooting from three and slightly improved shooting near the rim. His shot attempts have been pretty much 7-8 all year.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

A poster tried to write off him ever having a post game while saying he should keep working on his 3s.

I took objection to that because it was another case of this board only being capable of talking about becoming a better 3 point shooter and acting like every other skill doesn’t matter and can’t be worked on.

I noted how guys like Zubac and Duren were killing it without chucking 3s.

It’s cool Clingan has a hot streak going on. But as another poster pointed out, it also came with him taking more 2s and not having almost half his attempts be 3s which was the issue at the time.

Taking more 2s and having success from there naturally makes the 3s you take afterwards easier.

That’s an interesting recollection of those discussions. I’m glad you’ve come around to seeing the value of his 3 point shot.

This board wanted to tell me it was a good thing he was spending energy shooting 3s though.

1-5 today and 0-3 from 3 so far. Way more important stuff he could've been investing his time into.

Its just so frustrating watching a guy like Zubac play and wondering why Clingan can't model his game around a guy like that.

So many centers with a 3rd of his talent and doing amazing things in the league just by focusing on the right things.

6 of 27 which is good for 22% this month. On a shot that is 40% of his shots. Makes no sense for a 7’ to be allowed to waste his time with this.

Having a weak base would go hand and hand with struggling to make contested dunks.

All that time working on his 3 point shooting over the summer could've went to focusing on touch around the rim. This summer I hope he cuts that nonsense out and takes 1,000 hook shots and take the Zubac, Duren, Allen, etc. route of Bigs.

I'm not sure if there's a single European center that comes into the NBA without a competent post game/touch. They don't skip steps over there.

Clingan has all the ability to control the paint. His full focus needs to be mastering that before thinking about stepping out for a 3.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

That’s an interesting recollection of those discussions. I’m glad you’ve come around to seeing the value of his 3 point shot.

He can’t accept being wrong. Sad.

 

[REB1094]

Clingan remains on a heater 12 points and 17 rebounds on 2-4 three point shooting (5-9 overall). He’s 42% on 4 3PA in 3 January games so far. You all know my thoughts already - I’m assuming this is a hot streak that will cool off and he should focus more on converting his league leading offensive rebounds into close baskets instead of taking 4 threes a game. But for now, it’s working so let em fly!

Liam with a mop up minute three pointer and assist for a dunk as the Hornets wax OKC by almost 30 (???)

Polley is a G League starter now?? 20 points and 7 rebounds on 8-15 shooting (4-9 from three)

 

[HW611]

That’s an interesting recollection of those discussions. I’m glad you’ve come around to seeing the value of his 3 point shot.

Mind you, Clingan has two games where he’s scored above 20 points this year. Zubac has 6 and Duren has 11. Including 30 point games. In less games played than Clingan.

In one of those 20 point Clingan outings he was 1 of 4 from 3 and he hasn’t scored 25.

I’m not sure what this victory lap is about.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Clingan remains on a heater 12 points and 17 rebounds on 2-4 three point shooting (5-9 overall). He’s 42% on 4 3PA in 3 January games so far. You all know my thoughts already - I’m assuming this is a hot streak that will cool off and he should focus more on converting his league leading offensive rebounds into close baskets instead of taking 4 threes a game. But for now, it’s working so let em fly!

In fairness to DC, one of those missed threes was a scramble where he ended up with the ball late in the shot-clock and had to chuck up a turnaround prayer. The best part about all of this for the Blazers is defenders are now actively challenging him and coming out of the paint.

 

[HW611]

He can’t accept being wrong. Sad.

You are poster that wants to give up on a 7’2 guy having a post game but encourage them to keep working on 3s.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

You are poster that wants to give up on a 7’2 guy having a post game but encourage them to keep working on 3s.

That’s exactly what I said in that post!

It never ceases to amaze me how you read something and jump like 5 levels to try and make a point, it’s quite the skill.

Just admit your were wrong about wanting DC to stop taking 3s, and also maybe take back that ridiculous Duren comparison while you’re at it.

 

[HW611]

Just admit your were wrong about wanting DC to stop taking 3s, and also maybe take back that ridiculous Duren comparison while you’re at it.

You want me to say this based on a hot streak that is causing DC’s best games to be Duren’s average?

Some of yall get so excited for someone to make 3s for the sake of saying they made them.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

You want me to say this based on a hot streak that is causing DC’s best games to be Duren’s average?

Some of yall get so excited for someone to make 3s for the sake of saying they made them.

They are COMPLETELY different players and archetypes. That is what I want you to finally realize.

 

[superjohn]

That’s an interesting recollection of those discussions. I’m glad you’ve come around to seeing the value of his 3 point shot.

He also thinks Clingan has maturity issues.

So many terrible takes from posters on Clingan. Dude is 21 years old, leading the league in offensive rebounding, 5th in rebounding while expanding his game all without playing with any point guard who would get him easy finishes and people are arguing about terrible takes they made on him.

 

[HW611]

They are COMPLETELY different players and archetypes. That is what I want you to finally realize.

You are trying to argue that a 7’2 guy is incapable of making a living around the rim like Duran has been doing. So he needs to be able to make 3s.

 

[Waquoit]

Mind you, Clingan has two games where he’s scored above 20 points this year. Zubac has 6 and Duren has 11. Including 30 point games. In less games played than Clingan.

Is that some kind of advanced statistic of note I missed? We can call it Wins Above Duran, or WAD.

 

[Samoo]

Clingan's last 9 games --

12.7 points
11.4 rebounds
1 block
66% FG
54% 3P FG

Most importantly for the Blazers, over the last 12 games he is averaging 30 minutes per game.

 

[c29328]

I love it here. The way stuff goes off the rails at a moments notice is spectacular. Spin the wheel and see what the thread goes to next.

 

[HW611]

All in all. This board is getting very excited about DC having a hot streak of 3 point shooting that has led to one 24 point game and a few 18 point outings at best.

That is not a sign of a tremendous scoring breakthrough and doesn’t take away from the fact he should be prioritizing developing his game at the rim more.

Specifically in his last five games he’s had:

12
24
11
6
18

I’m not sure what scoring breakthrough we’re celebrating here. It doesn’t change the fact that if he wants to be an actual and consistent scoring threat, the best way to do so would be to prioritize becoming a paint threat over 3 point threat.

Him having a few great games where he’s scoring the players spoken on before averages does not change that fact.

 

[Samoo]

Mind you, Clingan has two games where he’s scored above 20 points this year. Zubac has 6 and Duren has 11. Including 30 point games. In less games played than Clingan.

In one of those 20 point Clingan outings he was 1 of 4 from 3 and he hasn’t scored 25.

I’m not sure what this victory lap is about.

You are beyond obstinate. Do you even know what the word context means? The reason Donovan hasn't scored more is because that isn't what the Blazers are asking of him. They don't pound the ball down low to him because they don't have a point guard to get it there.

Deni? Nope, most of his assists come on drives and kickouts or the open floor; his passes down low are where many of his turnovers come from.

Caleb Love? He can't pass the ball inside to save his life.

Sharpe? Probably the best of the lot but hardly a point guard.

Toumani, Grant, Murray, Cissoko? None of them are particularly good passers.

Of the top 8 Blazers none have an assist to turnover ratio above 2 except Jrue - who hasn't played in 24 games, and DC. The best chance currently for Donovan getting the ball inside would be him passing it to himself. I watch the Blazers quite a bit and my biggest complaint is that they miss Donovan on the pick and roll at least 5 times every game.

You seem like a relatively smart guy, but your inability to admit that you are ever wrong makes people react negatively. A little self-awareness would be refreshing.

 

[Samoo]

All in all. This board is getting very excited about DC having a hot streak of 3 point shooting that has led to one 24 point game and a few 18 point outings at best.

That is not a sign of a tremendous scoring breakthrough and doesn’t take away from the fact he should be prioritizing developing his game at the rim more.

Specifically in his last five games he’s had:

12
24
11
6
18

I’m not sure what scoring breakthrough we’re celebrating here. It doesn’t change the fact that if he wants to be an actual and consistent scoring threat, the best way to do so would be to prioritize becoming a paint threat over 3 point threat.

Him having a few great games where he’s scoring the players spoken on before averages does not change that fact.

See my previous post for the "facts". If he wants to be an "actual and consistent scoring threat" he should take his salary and buy a point guard.

 

[RuffRuff]

All in all. This board is getting very excited about DC having a hot streak of 3 point shooting that has led to one 24 point game and a few 18 point outings at best.

That is not a sign of a tremendous scoring breakthrough and doesn’t take away from the fact he should be prioritizing developing his game at the rim more.

Specifically in his last five games he’s had:

12
24
11
6
18

I’m not sure what scoring breakthrough we’re celebrating here. It doesn’t change the fact that if he wants to be an actual and consistent scoring threat, the best way to do so would be to prioritize becoming a paint threat over 3 point threat.

Him having a few great games where he’s scoring the players spoken on before averages does not change that fact.

His rim game definitely needs work, as Cling isn't going to make a living off shooting the 3. The dude is so big, and has such good passing skills, not sure why he doesn't look to a guy like Jokic to model some stuff after. His challenge is just going to be that his feet are a bit clumsy.

 

[superjohn]

All in all. This board is getting very excited about DC having a hot streak of 3 point shooting that has led to one 24 point game and a few 18 point outings at best.

That is not a sign of a tremendous scoring breakthrough and doesn’t take away from the fact he should be prioritizing developing his game at the rim more.

Specifically in his last five games he’s had:

12
24
11
6
18

I’m not sure what scoring breakthrough we’re celebrating here. It doesn’t change the fact that if he wants to be an actual and consistent scoring threat, the best way to do so would be to prioritize becoming a paint threat over 3 point threat.

Him having a few great games where he’s scoring the players spoken on before averages does not change that fact.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

All in all. This board is getting very excited about DC having a hot streak of 3 point shooting that has led to one 24 point game and a few 18 point outings at best.

That is not a sign of a tremendous scoring breakthrough and doesn’t take away from the fact he should be prioritizing developing his game at the rim more.

Specifically in his last five games he’s had:

12
24
11
6
18

I’m not sure what scoring breakthrough we’re celebrating here. It doesn’t change the fact that if he wants to be an actual and consistent scoring threat, the best way to do so would be to prioritize becoming a paint threat over 3 point threat.

Him having a few great games where he’s scoring the players spoken on before averages does not change that fact.

Excited because expanding his scoring repertoire bodes well for his overall game. The fact that it bums you out that he is shooting very well is pretty funny.

 

[superjohn]

You seem like a relatively smart guy

 

[HW611]

Excited because expanding his scoring repertoire bodes well for his overall game. The fact that it bums you out that he is shooting very well is pretty funny.

You’re saying these things that don’t mean anything. He’s expanding his scoring repertoire but it doesn’t actually amount to more consistent scoring.

Guys that don’t have that expanded repertoire are scoring better than him. So what does it matter?

This is the stuff that bums me out. Where this board gets way happier for him to knock down 3s while scoring 12 points instead of highlighting his improved post work (that you doubted) which ace posted about.

Just prioritizing the wrong things.

 

[HW611]

His rim game definitely needs work, as Cling isn't going to make a living off shooting the 3. The dude is so big, and has such good passing skills, not sure why he doesn't look to a guy like Jokic to model some stuff after. His challenge is just going to be that his feet are a bit clumsy.

I’ve been saying the Jokic thing since he was here. But some people on this board don’t believe someone can improve anything besides 3 point shooting.

Jokic doesn’t miss in the paint and he’s unguaradable from the FT line down one on one. But the only thing some people will recognize about his game is that he can shoot.

 

[RuffRuff]

I’ve been saying the Jokic thing since he was here. But some people on this board don’t believe someone can improve anything besides 3 point shooting.

Jokic doesn’t miss in the paint and he’s unguaradable from the FT line down one on one. But the only thing some people will recognize about his game is that he can shoot.

I mean listen, you don't draft a 7'2" rebounding rim protector for this 3 point shooting prowess. It's merely a "nice to have". Key for Cling will be demonstrating some efficiency on offense near the basket. He's a giant target. I guess I just wonder if that is something he can manufacture given his lower half isn't exactly the most graceful. He's got great hands, not so much with the feet.

 

[HW611]

I mean listen, you don't draft a 7'2" rebounding rim protector for this 3 point shooting prowess. It's merely a "nice to have". Key for Cling will be demonstrating some efficiency on offense near the basket. He's a giant target. I guess I just wonder if that is something he can manufacture given his lower half isn't exactly the most graceful. He's got great hands, not so much with the feet.

Think his footwork and base aren’t anything that some S&C and drills can’t fix over the years.

 

[REB1094]

In fairness to DC, one of those missed threes was a scramble where he ended up with the ball late in the shot-clock and had to chuck up a turnaround prayer. The best part about all of this for the Blazers is defenders are now actively challenging him and coming out of the paint.

Definitely the key. The Blazers have guys that can score in space (Deni and Shaedon). Pulling a big out of the paint and letting them cook is valuable

So is just being a lob threat at the rim but I’m sure they’ll find the right mix lol

 

[RuffRuff]

Think his footwork and base aren’t anything that some S&C and drills can’t fix over the years.

You seem to think anything/everything is teachable. If it was that easy, everyone would be an all pro.

 

[superjohn]

You’re saying these things that don’t mean anything. He’s expanding his scoring repertoire but it doesn’t actually amount to more consistent scoring.

Guys that don’t have that expanded repertoire are scoring better than him. So what does it matter?

This is the stuff that bums me out. Where this board gets way happier for him to knock down 3s while scoring 12 points instead of highlighting his improved post work (that you doubted) which ace posted about.

Just prioritizing the wrong things.

Your first paragraph makes no sense. Actually the entire post makes no sense.

You clearly don't watch his games. I sincerely hope you can undertand statistics and sample size but who knows...

Over Clingan's first 19 games of the season he shot 49% on two pointers and 25% on three pointers. His last 14 games he shot 68% on two pointers and 49% on three pointers.

His entire offensive game is improving as is his rebounding.