Boston Celtics Rumors: Would Clint Capela be that much of an upgrade over Daniel Theis?

Monday, reports emerged that the Boston Celtics were interested in dealing for Clint Capela. While the Rockets big man is very talented, would he really be that much of an upgrade over what the team currently has at the pivot?

It’s no secret that the biggest weakness for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20 is their center position. Coming into the year, many — including ourselves — were quite vocal about the team’s lackadaisical rotation at the pivot, and expressed fears that it could prove to be a true downer on their hopes of legitimately contending for the immediate future.

Now, mid-way through the campaign, these concerns are still as prevalent as ever.

Fortunately, however, it appears as though Danny Ainge is aware that the C’s could use some bolstering in the front court.

Monday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Boston Celtics have been in communication with the Houston Rockets about the possibility of setting up a deal to bring center Clint Capela to Title Town.

Capela, a six year veteran, is having himself quite a nice season in 2019-20. Through 39 outings, the French native is boasting averages of 13.9 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game on 63 percent shooting from the field. For his career, the 25 year old has made a name for himself as being one of the best young shot blockers and glass gobblers the league has to offer, and got paid quite handsomely for it.

We’ve said it time and time again: the Boston Celtics could certainly use a defensive/ rebound oriented big man with a high conversion rate on offense. Because of this, one would probably be under the impression that we here at the Houdini would be all in on the team bringing in Capela.

But, for some reason, we’re not… at least, I’m not.

Sure, Capela puts up solid numbers and has a well known stigma of being quite the defensive presence, but when looking at what it would potentially take to get him, it kind of feels like the C’s could spend those same assets elsewhere and perhaps get a better product in return.

Almost every trade scenario for Capela involves the likes of [a] future draft pick(s), Romeo Langford and Daniel Theis. As far as the draft pick goes, that would probably be the lightest blow of all assets, for Boston is stocked with them — they are expected to have 3 first round picks in this upcoming draft alone.

The inclusion of Langford makes it a little more troubling. I get it, the man has not really proven much in his first season in the NBA. However, as we just mentioned, it’s just his first season. Injuries and stints in the G-League have kept him off of the TD Garden’s hardwood for a large chunk of the season thus far, so we really haven’t been able to consistently see what he could potentially add to this team moving forward.

In short: the former lottery pick is an unknown commodity at this point. Perhaps it’s just wishful thinking, but he could prove to be a serviceable asset for the team as his career progresses. This is the mindset that makes it difficult to part ways with him for a player that, while good, has somewhat of a low ceiling.

The real kicker for this trade, however, is the fact that, this deal would all be for a guy who really is very similar to a player we’d be exchanging him for in Theis.

Based off both play and statistics, the two centers are essentially as efficient, and provide similar attributes. Now in his fourth season in the league, Daniel Theis is averaging 8.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 55 percent shooting from the field.

Sure, at first glance it would appear that Capela is for sure an upgrade at the position, as he averages about four more points, seven more rebounds and shoots eight percent better from the floor. Something he also averages more than Theis: minutes, and about 10 more of them.

When looking at his per 36 averages — just four more minutes than Capela — , Theis’ numbers jump to 12.8 points, 9.8 boards and a would be fourth best ranking in the league 2.4 blocks per game. Add this to the fact that the 27 year old also can stretch the floor on offense — shoots 34 percent from 3 for his career — and you have a legitimate question on your hands: would the acquisition of Capela be that much of an upgrade over Daniel Theis?

In our honest opinion, not really.

Sure, Capela does put up better numbers than Theis in many statistical categories. And yes, I understand that using Theis’ hypothetical per 36 minute averages in comparison to Capela’s actual 32 minute averages isn’t an ideal argument. But based on what we’ve seen him do when given more minutes — and, frankly with the minutes he currently gets — Theis has proven to be a serviceable starter for this 34-15 Boston Celtics squad.

He plays solid defense, he gets second chance opportunities and, unlike Capela, can space the floor. Is he a superstar? No, but at just $5 million a year, he’s certainly been a bargain for the shamrocks.

In conclusion: Clint Capela is a fine play in this league. His style of play would work quite nicely with this Celtics team and, if acquired, Boston would have him for the next serval years at quite a reasonable rate of about $18 million a year.

But in all honesty, he’s not that much of an upgrade over the C’s current starting center Daniel Theis. Because of this, coupled with the asking price from Houston, it might be wise of Danny Ainge to look for a better option if he wishes to make a change at the pivot in 2020,