Draft Destinations for Former UConn Stars Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle Remain Uncertain
Clingan was scheduled to participate in a predraft workout with the Houston Rockets, who hold the No. 3 pick, according to a report from USA TODAY’s Bryan Kalbrosky late last week.
The 7-foot-2 center has already worked out for the Portland Trail Blazers, who will select at selection No. 7, and the Atlanta Hawks, who will pick first in the lottery. According to CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein, Clingan “made an impression” on the Hawks, and Dan Hurley, the head coach of UConn, informed CBS’ Matt Norlander that Atlanta “really likes” him.
As teams try to guess what Atlanta will do with the first choice, it’s plausible that they’re setting up a smoke screen. Despite the fact that Clingan is regarded as the “safest” option available, most analysts predict that the Hawks will select French forwards Zacharia Risacher or Alex Sarr. It has been claimed that Atlanta has considered trading down and selecting Clingan.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, if Clingan is still available, the team will select him with that pick and he won’t go below the Blazers at No. 7. According to other rumors, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls are all eager to trade up for the former UConn big man.
Clingan’s size, athleticism, and growing potential have teams interested. The big man from Bristol led the Huskies to a second consecutive national championship last season with an average of 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
The San Antonio Spurs are allegedly interested in Castle at No. 4, and he has been predicted as high as No. 3 to the Houston Rockets. The Spurs need a point guard to pass the ball to Victor Wembanyama, last year’s No. 1 overall choice and star big man.
Despite playing combination guard for UConn, Castle is said to have told teams that he would prefer to be regarded as a point guard in the NBA. It is also reported that Castle has declined workouts with teams that had established starters at the position.
As a freshman at UConn last season, the 6-6 Castle averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.