After losing out on All-Star forward-center Anthony Davis, who the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to trade to the Los Angeles Lakers after Davis’ refusal to commit to the Pelicans long-term and Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge’s refusal to insert forward Jayson Tatum in trade talks, the prevalent opinion was that the Celtics would turn their attention to another big fish (or big man, rather) on the trade market: Houston Rockets center Clint Capela.
Though he had a horrendous showing in the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors, with his hands appearing to turn into bricks that prevented him from being able to catch anything, Capela has been one of the most dominant big men in the league over the past two seasons. He had a career year last season and has averaged 15.2 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game on 65.0 percent shooting from the field since the 2017-18 season.
Unfortunately, there’s disappointing news on that front, as the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reports (h/t HoopsHype) that though the Celtics are “intrigued by Capela… a deal for Capela is unlikely because Boston would not have interest in surrendering the players needed to complete the trade.”
Himmelsbach also reports that Boston has not engaged in trade talks centered on Capela, despite Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reporting that the Celtics and Rockets had held serious discussions about the Swiss center. Kyler would also imply that Boston’s lottery pick (14th overall) could have been in play for Capela with Houston looking to secure a top-20 pick in the upcoming draft.
Whether Kyler was being fed false information or Himmelsbach is only being given parts of the whole story is unclear, to be frank, as the nature of NBA will frequently lead reporters and insiders into a world of smoke and mirrors. However, should Himmelsbach’s report prove true, it would mean simply that Boston would prefer to hold onto players like the ever-reliable Al Horford; it’s difficult to see a seldom-used player like Semi Ojeleye or Guerschon Yabusele holding up a deal for Capela.
The Celtics could very well have their own Capela in soon-to-be second-year center Robert Williams III anyways though.
Like Capela, Williams is an athletic big man with a rim-runner skillset on offense, shot-blocking prowess and a knack for pulling down rebounds. Nicknamed “Time Lord” and quickly becoming a fan favorite, Williams averaged 10.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per 36 minutes as a rookie (and shot 70.6 percent from the field to boot).
Unless Horford starts at center, Williams should be in position for a rotation role behind Aussie big man Aron Baynes. Baynes picked up his player option for 2019-20 last week.
*All stats gathered from Basketball Reference
