Boston sorely needs an upgrade under the basket and rumors have it that the Celtics are planning to raid the rosters of Houston and Oklahoma for that purpose, that is if the desired big men there will be made available. Yes, the Green team is looking at Clint Capela and Steven Adams, hoping they'd be free before February ends.
However, it is Capela that Boston is trained on at the moment, Yahoo Sports said, citing the observation offered by Chris Mannix of NBC Sports.
"I think the guy they're sitting on, really, is Clint Capela," Mannix was reported as saying.
It appeared that the chance is high the Rockets will make Capela available on the market, and Boston has until February next year to make the deal. This was based on the recent report by ESPN that Houston might be needing a few midseason tweaks, and offering the center for takers will be part of the movement.
It was indicated in the same report that prior to acquiring Russell Westbrook last summer, the Rockets put Capela on the market, and it is possible the same will happen in the coming months.
On Boston's part, getting a hold on Capela will be a boost as he is averaging more than 16 points per game and over 12 rebounds. For sure, Boston exec Danny Ainge will appreciate that landing the Rockets center will afford him a wall on the basket.
Capela on a regular game can block up to eight attempts, which should be a skill that Celtics coach Brad Stevens would want on his side.
As for Adams, Clutch Points said OKC is sure to be moving out the player soon, and this is in line with the club's rebuilding plan that was triggered by Westbrook's jump to Houston. Boston, however, will have to pay up big as Adams' existing contract calls for payment of $53.4 million over the next two years.
It's the same case with Capela, whose five-year agreement with the Rockets was set at $90 million. So it will be an expensive big man shopping for Ainge and Stevens though having a man like Capela manning the board should be all worth it.
"His lob-catching and ball-swatting abilities are just what the Celtics need at this moment after head coach Brad Stevens admitted his team would be playing musical chairs with their big men," per the same report from Clutch Points.
Now any of Capela and Adams could end up as Stevens' pick to start at the center, indicating that the same spot remains a hole for Boston.
