2025-26 Season
DONOVAN CLINGAN
2025-26 Season
DONOVAN CLINGAN
PBP Credit: Every play is analyzed from play-by-play data. Scorers get difficulty-adjusted credit, assisters get creation value based on the shot opportunity they created, and turnovers are classified by type. Shot difficulty is derived from 1M+ shots across 4 seasons. Full methodology
TEAM COMPARISON
of 17 teammates (10+ games, 10+ min)
Similar Players
Same position, closest production profile this season.
SKILL DNA
Percentile rank vs 93 Centers with 10+ games
THE SEASON SO FAR
Donovan Clingan's first twenty games of the 2025-26 season were defined by absolute defensive terror in the paint, masking an offensive game that remains very much a work in progress. Even when his shot abandoned him, his sheer size warped opposing game plans. This dynamic was perfectly captured on 10/31 vs DEN, where he managed just 5 points but still posted a +4.7 impact score. That positive mark stemmed entirely from an imposing drop coverage that yielded a +12.9 defensive impact, completely deterring drivers from challenging the rim. When his touch around the basket actually clicked, he morphed into a two-way monster. Look no further than 11/19 vs CHI, where he swallowed up driving lanes and dominated the glass to amass 17 points, 21 rebounds, and a massive +16.9 impact score. Yet, his offensive limitations exacted a heavy toll on off nights. During a frustrating tilt on 11/12 vs NOP, he nearly logged a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds but suffered a brutal -10.9 impact score because his perimeter bricklaying (0 for 4 from deep) actively sabotaged the offense.
Donovan Clingan spent this twenty-game stretch oscillating wildly between absolute paint dominance and frustrating offensive clumsiness. When he fully leveraged his massive frame, the results were terrifying for opponents. He peaked on 01/03 vs SAS, bullying his way to 24 points and 12 rebounds to post a stellar +11.6 impact score. Yet, his towering presence on the glass did not always translate to winning basketball. Look no further than 01/05 vs UTA, where a gaudy 17-rebound night was dragged down to a -4.0 impact by hidden costs like foul trouble and careless turnovers. Conversely, he found ways to dictate the terms of engagement even when his shot abandoned him. During a clunky 8-point offensive showing on 01/09 vs HOU, Clingan still salvaged a +0.3 impact by vacuuming up 15 rebounds and anchoring the interior with elite rim deterrence. If he stops launching ill-advised perimeter shots and focuses purely on suffocating drop coverage, he will finally transform from an erratic giant into a reliable two-way anchor.
Donovan Clingan’s midseason stretch was defined by sheer physical intimidation, transforming the big man into a terrifying interior anchor. He dictated the terms of engagement through pure force. During the 01/26 vs BOS matchup, he scored a mere 9 points but still posted a highly positive +6.4 impact score. His value stemmed entirely from elite rim deterrence, logging a staggering +19.8 defensive impact by completely altering the opponent's shot profile. He reached his absolute peak on 02/12 vs UTA. Exploding for 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists, he generated a monstrous +21.1 impact score by utterly dominating the paint on both ends. Yet, his occasional attempts to force offense came with severe hidden costs, as seen on 03/06 vs HOU. Despite pouring in 18 points and grabbing 13 boards, Clingan registered a -3.3 impact because his sudden offensive aggression compromised his usual rim protection, plummeting his defensive impact to a meager +1.2.
IMPACT TIMELINE
Game-by-game performance vs average. Green = above average, red = below.
Very consistent. Clingan posts positive impact in 87% of games — you almost always get a productive night. Scoring varies by ~6 points, but the overall contribution stays positive.
Middle-of-the-road efficiency — shoots 45%+ from the field in 66% of games. Not automatic, but not a problem either.
Defensive difference-maker. Clingan consistently forces tough shots and protects the rim — opponents shoot worse when he's guarding them.
Getting better as the season goes on. First-half impact: +10.5, second-half: +14.0. That's a significant jump — could be a role change, confidence, or development clicking.
Hot right now — 5 straight games with positive impact. Longest positive run this season: 18 games.
MATCHUP HISTORY
Based on 76 games with tracking data. Shows who guarded this player on offense and who he guarded on defense, with their shooting stats in those matchups.
ON OFFENSE: WHO GUARDED HIM
His shooting stats against each primary defender this season
ON DEFENSE: WHO HE GUARDED
How opponents shot when he was the primary defender. Lower FG% = better defense.
SEASON STATS
GAME LOG
78 games played
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