Donovan Clingan height has become one of the most searched topics among NBA fans since the Portland Trail Blazers selected him as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, this UConn national champion has quickly established himself as one of the most physically imposing centers in professional basketball.
The Bristol, Connecticut native has used his exceptional size and defensive prowess to make an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Trail Blazers. His physical measurements place him among the tallest players in the NBA, and his combination of height, weight, and basketball skills has drawn comparisons to legendary big men throughout league history.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Donovan Clingan’s physical attributes, from his exact measurements in multiple units to how his size compares with other elite NBA centers. We’ll also examine his growth journey from high school to the professional ranks and analyze how his remarkable physical stats influence his playing style on the court.
Table of Contents
Donovan Clingan Quick Facts (2025)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donovan John Clingan |
| Known As | Donovan Clingan |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 2004 |
| Age (2025) | 21 years old |
| Birthplace | Bristol, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Position | Center |
| College | University of Connecticut (UConn) |
| NBA Draft Year | 2024 |
| Draft Round | Round 1 |
| Draft Pick | 7th Overall |
| NBA Team (2025) | Portland Trail Blazers |
| League | National Basketball Association (NBA) |
| Playing Style | Defensive rim protector |
| Famous For | NCAA Championships with UConn |
| College Titles | 2× NCAA Champion (2023, 2024) |
Quick Physical Stats Overview
Here’s a complete breakdown of Donovan Clingan’s physical measurements and biographical information:
| Attribute | Measurement (US) | Measurement (Metric) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 7’2″ | 218 cm | One of tallest in NBA |
| Weight | 280 lbs | 127 kg | Ideal for NBA center |
| Wingspan | 7’7″ | 231 cm | Elite defensive reach |
| Standing Reach | 9’7″ | 292 cm | Rim protection advantage |
| Age | 21 years old | – | Born Feb 23, 2004 |
| Position | Center | – | Defensive specialist |
| Jersey Number | #23 | – | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Experience | 1st Year | – | 2024-25 Season |
| College | UConn Huskies | – | 2x National Champion |
| Draft Status | 2024 1st Round | Pick #7 | Selected by Portland |
| Hometown | Bristol, Connecticut | – | United States |
Current Season Performance (2024-25)
| Stat Category | Per Game Average | League Rank (Centers) |
|---|---|---|
| Points (PPG) | 10.1 | Top 50 |
| Rebounds (RPG) | 10.1 | Top 10 |
| Blocks (BPG) | 1.5 | Top 15 |
| Field Goal % | 48.9% | Above Average |
| Minutes (MPG) | 25.5 | Increasing Role |
Complete Height and Weight Measurements
Understanding Donovan Clingan’s Height
Donovan Clingan stands at exactly 7 feet 2 inches tall (86 inches total), which translates to 218 centimeters in the metric system. This makes him one of the tallest active players in the NBA during the 2024-25 season.
To put this in perspective, Clingan is:
- 12 inches taller than the average American male (5’10”)
- 8 inches taller than the average NBA player (6’6″)
- 6 inches taller than the average NBA center (6’8″)
His height has been consistently measured at 7’2″ barefoot throughout his basketball career, from his time at Bristol Central High School through his UConn years and into his NBA career. Unlike some players whose heights are “rounded up” with shoes, Clingan’s 7’2″ measurement is legitimate and verified.
Breaking Down His Weight
At 280 pounds (127 kilograms), Clingan carries a substantial but well-distributed frame. His weight is optimal for a player of his height, providing him with:
- Strength to battle against NBA centers in the post
- Stability to hold position in the paint on defense
- Mobility despite his size (he’s not overweight)
- Physicality to set solid screens and box out
His Body Mass Index (BMI) of approximately 26.2 is considered ideal for an NBA center. This weight allows him to be physical without sacrificing the agility needed to defend in space or run the floor in transition.
Wingspan and Reach: The Hidden Advantages
While height gets most of the attention, Donovan Clingan’s 7-foot-7-inch wingspan (231 cm) is perhaps his greatest physical asset. This gives him a 5-inch advantage over his already impressive height.
His wingspan allows him to:
- Contest shots without leaving his feet
- Deflect passes in passing lanes
- Grab rebounds over opponents
- Finish around the rim with extension
- Block shots from help-side positions
His standing reach of 9’7″ (292 cm) means Clingan can touch the rim while barely leaving the ground. This is crucial for rim protection, as he doesn’t need to jump as high as shorter players to alter or block shots at the basket.
Hand Size and Other Measurements
While not officially published by the NBA, reports from his draft measurements indicate:
- Hand length: Approximately 9.5 inches
- Hand width: Approximately 10 inches
- Shoe size: 18-19 (US sizing)
These large hands help him control the basketball, catch difficult passes, and palm the ball for powerful dunks.
Physical Comparison with NBA Centers
Height Comparison: Elite Company
Let’s see how Donovan Clingan’s 7’2″ frame stacks up against other notable NBA centers:
| Player | Height | Weight | Team | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Clingan | 7’2″ | 280 lbs | Portland | Our Subject |
| Victor Wembanyama | 7’4″ | 210 lbs | San Antonio | 2″ taller, 70 lbs lighter |
| Rudy Gobert | 7’1″ | 258 lbs | Minnesota | 1″ shorter, 22 lbs lighter |
| Joel Embiid | 7’0″ | 280 lbs | Philadelphia | 2″ shorter, same weight |
| Nikola Jokić | 6’11” | 284 lbs | Denver | 3″ shorter, 4 lbs heavier |
| Brook Lopez | 7’0″ | 282 lbs | Milwaukee | 2″ shorter, 2 lbs heavier |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | 7’2″ | 240 lbs | Boston | Same height, 40 lbs lighter |
| Deandre Ayton | 6’11” | 250 lbs | Portland | 3″ shorter, 30 lbs lighter |
| Chet Holmgren | 7’1″ | 208 lbs | Oklahoma City | 1″ shorter, 72 lbs lighter |
| Walker Kessler | 7’0″ | 245 lbs | Utah | 2″ shorter, 35 lbs lighter |
Key Observations from the Comparison
- Clingan vs. Wembanyama: While Victor Wembanyama stands 2 inches taller at 7’4″, he weighs 70 pounds less than Clingan. This makes Clingan significantly more physical and stronger in the post, while Wembanyama has a slight reach advantage.
- Clingan vs. Jokić: The reigning MVP is 3 inches shorter but carries similar weight. Jokić’s lower center of gravity gives him different advantages, particularly in post moves and balance, while Clingan’s height provides superior rim protection.
- Clingan vs. Embiid: Perhaps the most interesting comparison. Both weigh 280 pounds, but Clingan has a 2-inch height advantage. However, Embiid’s more developed skill set currently makes him the superior player, though Clingan has time to develop.
- Weight Class Analysis: Clingan’s 280-pound frame places him in the “heavyweight” category of NBA centers. Only players like Jokić (284 lbs) and Brook Lopez (282 lbs) are in the same weight class, while modern centers like Wembanyama and Holmgren are significantly lighter.
Historical Comparisons
Throughout NBA history, several legendary centers shared similar physical profiles to Donovan Clingan:
- Shaquille O’Neal: 7’1″, 325 lbs – Similar height, heavier build
- David Robinson: 7’1″, 235 lbs – Similar height, lighter frame
- Bill Walton: 6’11”, 210 lbs – Shorter but played for Portland
- Hakeem Olajuwon: 7’0″, 255 lbs – Slightly shorter, lighter
- Patrick Ewing: 7’0″, 240 lbs – Slightly shorter, lighter
Clingan’s combination of height and weight is actually quite rare historically. Most 7’2″ players were either much heavier (like Shaq) or much lighter (like young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
Wingspan Comparison: Defensive Reach
| Player | Height | Wingspan | Wingspan Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Clingan | 7’2″ | 7’7″ | +5 inches |
| Victor Wembanyama | 7’4″ | 7’11” | +7 inches |
| Rudy Gobert | 7’1″ | 7’9″ | +8 inches |
| Joel Embiid | 7’0″ | 7’5″ | +5 inches |
| Nikola Jokić | 6’11” | 7’0″ | +1 inch |
While Clingan’s +5 inch wingspan differential is good, elite rim protectors like Gobert (+8) and Wembanyama (+7) have even longer reaches relative to their height. However, Clingan’s wingspan is still among the top 10% in the NBA and gives him excellent defensive capabilities.
Growth Journey from High School to NBA
High School Years: Bristol Central
Donovan Clingan’s physical development story is remarkable. Growing up in Bristol, Connecticut, he attended Bristol Central High School, where he became a local legend.
Freshman Year (2018-19):
- Height: Approximately 6’8″
- Weight: Around 215 lbs
- Already showing exceptional size for his age
Sophomore Year (2019-20):
- Height: Approximately 6’10”
- Weight: Around 235 lbs
- Growing 2 inches in one year
Junior Year (2020-21):
- Height: Approximately 7’0″
- Weight: Around 250 lbs
- Crossed the 7-foot threshold
- Averaged 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game
- Named Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year
Senior Year (2021-22):
- Height: 7’1″ to 7’2″
- Weight: Around 265 lbs
- Nearly at his full adult height
- Averaged 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game
- Led Bristol Central to CIAC Division II state championship
- Repeated as Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year
College Career: UConn Huskies
Freshman Season (2022-23):
- Listed height: 7’2″
- Playing weight: 270 lbs
- Backup to Adama Sanogo
- Won NCAA National Championship
- Named Big East All-Freshman Team
- Limited minutes but showed potential
During his freshman year, Clingan primarily came off the bench behind starter Adama Sanogo. However, his defensive presence was immediately felt when he entered games. His 7’2″ frame changed the complexion of UConn’s defense, and he averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 13 minutes per game.
Sophomore Season (2023-24):
- Listed height: 7’2″
- Playing weight: 280 lbs
- Starter and defensive anchor
- Won second consecutive NCAA National Championship
- Suffered foot injury mid-season but returned for tournament run
- 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game
As a sophomore, Clingan reached his current physical measurements of 7’2″ and 280 pounds. He became the starting center and transformed UConn into one of the nation’s best defensive teams. His rim protection was so dominant that he altered the shots of opponents even without blocking them.
NBA Rookie Season: Portland Trail Blazers
2024 NBA Draft: Selected 7th overall by Portland Trail Blazers on June 26, 2024
Summer League (July 2024):
- First exposure to NBA competition
- Showed his defensive potential
- Adjusted to professional pace
Regular Season (2024-25):
- Official NBA measurements: 7’2″, 280 lbs
- Jersey #23 (his college #32 was retired by Portland for Bill Walton)
- Starting to earn more playing time
- Averaging 10.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks in 25.5 minutes per game
NBA Debut: October 23, 2024, against Golden State Warriors (loss 140-104)
The transition to the NBA has been a learning experience for Clingan. The pace is faster, the players are stronger, and the skill level is higher than anything he faced in college. However, his physical measurements give him natural advantages that can’t be taught.
Physical Development Timeline Summary
| Year | Age | Level | Height | Weight | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15 | HS Freshman | ~6’8″ | ~215 lbs | – |
| 2020 | 16 | HS Sophomore | ~6’10” | ~235 lbs | +2″ / +20 lbs |
| 2021 | 17 | HS Junior | ~7’0″ | ~250 lbs | +2″ / +15 lbs |
| 2022 | 18 | HS Senior | ~7’1″ | ~265 lbs | +1″ / +15 lbs |
| 2023 | 19 | College Fresh | 7’2″ | 270 lbs | +1″ / +5 lbs |
| 2024 | 20 | College Soph | 7’2″ | 280 lbs | – / +10 lbs |
| 2024-25 | 21 | NBA Rookie | 7’2″ | 280 lbs | Fully grown |
Clingan grew approximately 6 inches from his freshman year of high school to his senior year, ultimately reaching his adult height of 7’2″ by age 19. His weight has continued to increase as he’s added functional strength and muscle mass appropriate for NBA competition.
How His Size Impacts Playing Style
Defensive Dominance: Rim Protection
Donovan Clingan’s 7’2″ height and 7’7″ wingspan make him one of the most intimidating rim protectors in basketball. His physical measurements allow him to:
- Vertical Deterrence: At 7’2″ with a 9’7″ standing reach, Clingan doesn’t need to jump to contest shots at the rim. This means he can stay on the ground longer, avoid foul trouble, and still alter or block shots. Most guards and forwards need to adjust their shots significantly when they see Clingan near the basket.
- Help-Side Blocking: His wingspan allows him to rotate from the weak side and block shots that most centers can’t reach. He can be several feet away from the ball and still extend to contest or reject attempts at the rim.
- Drop Coverage Excellence: In pick-and-roll defense, Clingan’s height allows him to play drop coverage effectively. He can stay back near the rim, protect against lobs, and still contest mid-range shots without having to step out aggressively.
- Rebounding Presence: Standing at 7’2″, Clingan has a natural advantage in securing rebounds. His 10.1 rebounds per game average shows how his height translates to controlling the glass on both ends of the floor.
Offensive Advantages
- Screen Setting: At 280 pounds and 7’2″, Clingan sets some of the most effective screens in the NBA. Defenders can’t get around him, and his size creates massive space for ball handlers to operate.
- Post Positioning: His combination of height and weight allows him to establish deep post position. Once he catches the ball near the basket, smaller defenders have no chance to stop him from scoring.
- Lob Threat: With a 9’7″ standing reach, Clingan is always a threat for alley-oop dunks. Point guards can throw lobs above the reach of most defenders, and Clingan can easily finish them.
- Put-Backs and Tip-Ins: His height and timing allow him to clean up missed shots by his teammates. Many rebounds that would be lost possessions become second-chance points when Clingan is on the floor.
- Finishing at the Rim: At 7’2″, Clingan can finish over most defenders without needing much elevation. His 48.9% field goal percentage shows he’s efficient when he gets shots near the basket.
Limitations and Challenges
While Clingan’s size provides many advantages, it also comes with some challenges:
- Perimeter Defense: At 280 pounds, Clingan isn’t as mobile as smaller players. Guarding modern NBA offenses that space the floor can be challenging when he’s pulled away from the rim.
- Conditioning: Carrying 280 pounds up and down the court for 30+ minutes is physically demanding. This is why his current minutes are around 25.5 per game as he builds his NBA conditioning.
- Foul Trouble: Players of Clingan’s size can be whistle-prone, especially as rookies. Learning to use his length to defend without reaching or bodying up too much has been a learning curve.
- Transition Defense: Getting back in transition can be slower for bigger players. Opposing teams sometimes target Clingan in transition, trying to attack before he can get set defensively.
- Three-Point Range: While some modern centers have developed three-point shooting, Clingan’s 25.4% from beyond the arc shows this isn’t a strength yet. His size is better utilized near the basket.
Playing Style Evolution
- Current Role: Clingan is primarily used as a defensive anchor and rim-runner. Portland’s offense runs through guards like Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons, with Clingan’s role being to set screens, roll to the rim, crash the offensive glass, and protect the paint on defense.
- Improving Skills: Despite his size-based advantages, Clingan is working on developing his mid-range game, improving his free-throw shooting (currently 70.2%), and becoming more comfortable in short-roll situations where he can make passing reads.
Comparison to Similar Players: His current playing style is most similar to:
- Rudy Gobert (rim protection and screen setting)
- Clint Capela (vertical spacing and rebounding)
- JaVale McGee (athleticism for size, rim-running)
Future Potential: If Clingan can develop his offensive game to match his defensive prowess, he could become more like:
- Brook Lopez (rim protection plus floor spacing)
- Bam Adebayo (defensive versatility plus playmaking)
- Al Horford (all-around center who can do everything)
Impact on Team Success
The Portland Trail Blazers’ defense improves significantly with Clingan on the floor. His presence in the paint forces opponents to change their shot selection, and his rebounding helps end defensive possessions. As he gains experience and conditioning, his minutes and impact will likely increase.
His 7’2″ height and defensive ability have already made him valuable to Portland’s rebuilding timeline. Paired with young guards and wings, Clingan provides the interior defense and rebounding that championship teams need from their center position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How tall is Donovan Clingan exactly?
Donovan Clingan is exactly 7 feet 2 inches tall (86 inches total height), which converts to 218 centimeters. This measurement is his barefoot height as officially recorded by the NBA. With basketball shoes, he stands closer to 7’3″ or 7’4″. He is currently one of the tallest active players in the NBA during the 2024-25 season.
What is Donovan Clingan’s weight?
Donovan Clingan weighs 280 pounds, which is equivalent to 127 kilograms. This weight is ideal for his 7’2″ frame, giving him the strength to compete against NBA centers while maintaining enough mobility to play modern basketball. His weight has been consistent throughout his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
What is Donovan Clingan’s wingspan?
Donovan Clingan has a wingspan of 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm), which is 5 inches longer than his height. This above-average wingspan differential gives him exceptional reach for rim protection, rebounding, and contesting shots. His wingspan is among the longest for active NBA centers and is a key factor in his defensive capabilities.
Is Donovan Clingan still growing?
No, Donovan Clingan is likely done growing at age 21. He reached his current height of 7’2″ by age 19 during his freshman year at UConn. While he has added functional weight and muscle mass (from 270 to 280 pounds), his height has remained stable for the past two years. Most males complete their height growth by age 18-21.
How does Donovan Clingan’s height compare to other NBA players?
Donovan Clingan’s 7’2″ height makes him one of the tallest players in the NBA. He’s taller than stars like Joel Embiid (7’0″), Nikola Jokić (6’11”), and Anthony Davis (6’10”). Only Victor Wembanyama (7’4″) and Boban Marjanović (7’4″) are significantly taller among active players. The average NBA player is 6’6″, making Clingan 8 inches taller than average.
What position does Donovan Clingan play?
Donovan Clingan plays the center position for the Portland Trail Blazers. His 7’2″ height, 280-pound frame, and 7’7″ wingspan make him perfectly suited for the traditional center role. He serves as a rim protector, rebounder, and interior presence on both ends of the floor. His size makes him ill-suited for guard or forward positions.
Where is Donovan Clingan from?
Donovan Clingan is from Bristol, Connecticut, United States. He was born on February 23, 2004, in Bristol and attended Bristol Central High School, where he became one of the state’s most decorated high school basketball players. He led his high school team to a state championship and won Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice before attending UConn.
What college did Donovan Clingan attend?
Donovan Clingan attended the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he played for the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team for two seasons (2022-2024). During his time at UConn, he won two consecutive NCAA National Championships in 2023 and 2024. He was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team and developed into one of college basketball’s premier defensive centers.
When was Donovan Clingan drafted to the NBA?
Donovan Clingan was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 7th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26, 2024. He was the second center selected in that draft after Zaccharie Risacher went first overall. Portland chose him to be their defensive anchor and long-term building block at the center position.
What is Donovan Clingan’s standing reach?
Donovan Clingan’s standing reach is approximately 9 feet 7 inches (292 cm). This measurement represents how high he can reach while standing flatfooted with his arm extended overhead. This exceptional standing reach, combined with his 7’2″ height, allows him to contest and block shots near the rim without jumping, which helps him avoid fouls and maintain defensive positioning.
How much does Donovan Clingan weigh in kilograms?
Donovan Clingan weighs 127 kilograms, which is equivalent to 280 pounds in the imperial system. His weight is proportionate to his 7’2″ height and gives him the physical strength needed to compete against NBA centers. The combination of his height and weight results in a Body Mass Index (BMI) of approximately 26.2, which is considered ideal for a professional basketball center.
What is Donovan Clingan’s jersey number?
Donovan Clingan wears jersey number 23 for the Portland Trail Blazers. He wanted to wear #32, which he wore at UConn in honor of his late mother, but that number is retired by the Trail Blazers for Hall of Famer Bill Walton. Clingan chose #23 as his NBA jersey number and has worn it since signing with Portland in July 2024.
Conclusion
Donovan Clingan’s height of 7 feet 2 inches, combined with his 280-pound frame and 7-foot-7-inch wingspan, makes him one of the most physically imposing players in the NBA. His measurements place him in elite company among the league’s tallest and most defensively capable centers.
From his days dominating high school basketball in Bristol, Connecticut, through his two national championships at UConn, to his current rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Clingan’s physical attributes have been his calling card. Standing 8 inches taller than the average NBA player and carrying an ideal weight for his frame, he possesses the natural physical tools that championship-caliber teams covet in a center.
What makes Clingan special isn’t just his raw measurements—it’s how he uses them. His 9’7″ standing reach allows him to protect the rim without leaving his feet. His wingspan lets him contest shots and disrupt passing lanes from unexpected angles. His weight gives him the strength to battle in the post and set screens that create open shots for teammates.
As he continues to develop his skills, add strength, and gain experience in the NBA, Donovan Clingan’s physical measurements will remain his foundation. At just 21 years old, he has years to build upon his natural advantages and potentially become one of the premier defensive centers in professional basketball.
Whether you’re a Portland Trail Blazers fan excited about the team’s future, an NBA enthusiast interested in player measurements, or someone curious about how size translates to basketball success, Donovan Clingan represents a perfect case study of how exceptional physical stats can impact the modern game.