here is a snapshot comparison: obviously Ayton is a better shooter. That's the main thing he does. But even with that advantage and the fact Clingan struggled at times chipping paint off rims, there really was not a significant advantage in TS% or eFG%. In fact, Clingan averaged 1.31 points/shot while Ayton averaged 1.23 points/shot I'm biased because I prefer C's who protect the rim, control the paint, and dominate the glass. OK then in terms of rim protection, if Clingan had averaged enough minutes, his 7.5% block rate would have ranked 2nd in the NBA and Clingan did lead the NBA in blocks/100-possessions so then, he absolutely checks the rim protection box in terms of dominating the paint, I can't recall a Portland C who altered as many opponent shots in the paint as Clingan. Maybe Camby for part of a season; maybe Ratliff. But Clingan was dominant, especially for a rookie and another component of the paint is offensive rebounding. Again, if Clingan had qualified by minutes, he woud have led the NBA in offensive rebound rate with his 17.3% mark: and he did finish 2nd to Steven Adams in both off-reb/36 and off-reb/100-possessions. He also kept a bunch of offensive rebounds alive with taps and touches. He was pretty dominant overall on the glass as his 21.6% rate would have been 6th in the NBA. He needs to work on his defensive rebounding a little, but that will come that's not to say Ayton wasn't a good rebounder; he just wasn't as good as Clingan. He also is not much of a rim protector or paint defender. neither are good passers. Clingan was much better at getting whistles and FT Rate. I think Clingan was a a little better at setting screens; at least he was in the 2nd half of the season. Clingan and Ayton were even at 4.9 screen-assists/36 Cingan was better in winshare/48, BPM, and VORP Ayton is a little more mobile but he's still, like Clingan, a drop-coverage type C personally, I think Clingan was better this season; especially factoring in this was Ayton's 7th season and Clingan was a rookie. But I really don't like Ayton so bias at work?
I thought Clingan got better as the year went on. There is no doubt that if we were forced to keep just one, it would be the young rookie. But I liked what I heard from Ayton in the exit interview. I think he wants to be in Portland, and he loves Chauncey. Would I trade him for an important addition to the team? Of course, but I am not sure of his value to other teams. Although, as an ending contract, I think it could be decent. Not sure which was better this last year, but in deciding who is a better fit moving forward, I think it also comes down to who else is on the floor. For example, if you throw out a defensive line up of Thybulle, Camara, Sharpe, and Deni, I think an offensive center is more beneficial. If we throw out a line-up that has multiple scorers who can create their own shot, then we need a defensive center like Clingan. It would be nice to have all 2-way players, but that is easier said than done. Who knows what the future brings? How much better can Clingan get offensively, and can he stay healthy are two huge questions.
IMO, both are close as far as impact. Clingan is more 'steady' and had fewer great and poor games. Ayton has higher highs and lower lows. It really depends on where he's at mentally. Ayton SHOULD be the better C, but it doesn't always happen.
I think Ayton's injury makes this a skewed comparison...a healthy Ayton the second half with Deni on a hot streak would've looked a lot better on paper than the early part of the season when we sucked as a team. Better the team looked, the better the center looked. Clingan was great but so was Ayton before he got injured. I like having both these guys as a 5 rotation. Ayton is more effective on offense and Clingan is a better rim protecter. Ayton is more Lamarcus Aldrige in his skill set with the elbow jumper.
Clingan was great for a 20 year old rookie on a team with no clear playbook. Ayton did okay for a 26 year old vet in the same situation.
Obviously, the correct answer is Ayton plus Clingan. Neither guy can manage heavy minutes as a regular thing. Together, they’re a very solid tag team.
If the question is who I’d want in for the last 4 minutes of an important game to try and win, it’s hands down Ayton.
Clingan. But it doesn't mean that Ayton cant serve a purpose next season. Reath is not good enough to be a Back up to a starter.
Seems to me Clingan would be even more impactful on the offensive end if he would Dunk a bit more rather than trying to finesse a finger roll all the time.
I'll tell you what, both of them would be a helluva lot better if they'd just dunk the damn ball when they're in the restricted area. Clingan is a fucking giant even by NBA standards and Deandre is a goddamn monster. If either one of them when getting the ball in that restricted area, kept the ball above their shoulders, planted their feet and decided to, they'd dunk everything in that area. Fucking confounding how that would make things so much easier for them and Nurk and none of them fucking do it. Someone with Ayton's combination of size and athleticism it should be an after thought and the same thing goes for someone just with Clingan's sheer size. The team should pay Shaq, David Robinson, hell Chris Webber didn't bring any of the weak ass shit that our Cs put up there. I'm only leaving out current players like DeAndre Jordan and a dozen other 6'11" and up guys out because they're still active. Just have one of these other monsters that have been in the league come and "teach" them... I don't know though because both guys do throw it down whenever they decide to. Fucking exhausting to go from Nurk to these two. Seems like it would be so natural for all of them to do it.
Nope. Never said it did. But if you aren't going to answer my question, why do you think yours deserves my answer? Come on now…
