Rockets to hold pre-draft workout with Connecticut’s Donovan Clingan

The Houston Rockets enter the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 3 overall pick, which could lead to general manager Rafael Stone adding another big-time prospect. According to Bryan Kalbrosky of USA TODAY’s For The Win, the Rockets will host Donovan Clingan from Connecticut for a pre-draft workout.

Clingan played two seasons at Connecticut, averaging 9.8 points in 74 career games. He was the defensive anchor for the UConn Huskies, posting 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The 7-foot-2 big man received Big East All-Freshman team honors in 2023 and played an integral role in leading the program to back-to-back championship titles.

But despite the interest from the Rockets, Clingan’s potential selection is a long shot. Houston’s frontcourt is full for the draft. In addition to rising star Alperen Sengun, the Rockets will have a frontcourt consisting of Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Steven Adams. Houston landed Adams in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in February.

The Rockets spent the previous days hosting prospects they could target in the draft. As first reported by The Athletic’s Kelly Iko on Friday, Houston held pre-workouts for N’Faly Dante (Oregon), Jamal Shead (Houston), Isaiah Stevens (Colorado State) and Tyler Thomas (Hofstra). In addition to holding the No. 3 pick, the Rockets will also have a second-round selection at pick No. 44.

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