Rumors: Boston Celtics Want Noel, Not Okafor

Rumors are that the Boston Celtics are looking to trade for Nerlens Noel instead of Jahlil Okafor

The Boston Celtics trade rumours keep flying in, and while it is well established that the Philadelphia 76ers are well in play for the third overall pick, it appears as though the Celtics may have taken a stand in regards to who they want in return. According to Hoopscritic via Inquisitr, the former third overall pick Jahlil Okafor is their second option, as they have been working towards making something happen to get Nerlens Noel.

These rumours should not come as too much of a surprise. The Celtics have set a draft pattern of taking defensive standouts in favor of offensive standouts, and Noel is far and away the better defensive player, while Okafor is superior on offense.

Defense vs offense may not be the only thing pushing them towards Noel. There have been off the court issues with Okafor in Philadelphia and Noel has done a lot more to prove himself at the NBA level. Noel is far from an established player, but his bare minimum will still be a difference maker as a shot blocker. Okafor, on the other hand, has not had the opportunity to prove that he can be dominant in any area, even if all indications suggest he will be a dominant interior scorer.

Noel will give the Celtics the most immediate help, and he gives them the kind of boost they need to balance out their already great defense. Noel is averaging 1.7 blocks per game in his two seasons and would give the Celtics their best rebounder, by far.

The Celtics have made capable defenders out of Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger and they have good promise with Jordan Mickey but at just 22 years old, Noel would be the most important piece in their front court, short term and long term.

The Celtics managed to be one of the best defensive teams in the league last year, and most of that was because of their standout defensive guards. The Celtics have great defenders at every position, except for the 4 and 5. With Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Evan Turner and even Terry Rozier, the Celtics always make sure to have a strong defensive guard on the court.

The front court has been a liability rebounding the ball and an even worse liability defending the rim. With a -1.1 rebounding differential, despite having a strong offensive rebounder in Sullinger, the Celtics need to find a player that can have an impact in that phase of the game.

The Celtics also finished with a measly 4.4 blocks per game and were continually abused on the inside by strong big men. Defensively, there may not be another player available that can help the Celtics as much as Noel. On a team that won and prides themselves on defense, Noel is exactly the kind of player that Ainge will be looking for.

Throw in that he will have plenty of time to grow and develop with Stevens, and his potential may be the most intriguing part. If Mickey can approach the potential they believe he has, they can become one of the best young defensive front courts in the NBA.

Giving their core of guards protection in the paint behind them could round them out as arguably the best defense in the league. The Celtics will certainly need more help on the offensive end, but Okafor alone could not have the kind of impact on the offensive end that Noel can already have on the defensive end.

Next: Celtics: Best/Worst Scenario for Every Pick

The speculation will continue but it appears as though a deal may only get done if the 76ers are willing to give up Noel. Then again, this could be part of negotiating ploys. Ainge has always been known as a stingy trader and he will do anything to make sure he gets the best possible value in any trade.