Celtics Could Target Trade For Spurs’ Jakob Poeltl

Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

Despite the drama that surrounded the Boston Celtics in the weeks leading up to opening night, the team has been able to put that behind them and focus on the court. They are once again looking like NBA title contenders as they are off to an excellent start with interim head coach Joe Mazzulla leading the way.

The Celtics are not only in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 11-3, they currently hold the best mark in the entire NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers are the only other teams with double-digit wins thus far as the Celtics are separating themselves into a class of their own.

Boston is getting the job done on the back of the best offense in the NBA. They are first in offensive rating with 119.5 and are third in the NBA with a net rating of +5.8. The Celtics play at a slow pace but have been extremely efficient thus far this season.

They are currently third in the NBA in shooting percentage, making 48.4 percent overall. They are maximizing their opportunities from long range as they make 15.6 3-pointers per game, which is first in the NBA, ranking second in attempts with 40.8 and fourth in percentage at 38.2.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Boston Celtics Updates

While they are finding plenty of success offensively, defensively has been another story. That end of the court is what helped them turn the 2021-22 season around, but thus far this season, the Celtics have been an underwhelming team.

Boston currently ranked 23rd in defensive rating with a 113.7. If their offense ever slips, they would find difficulties in winning games. As a result, the Celtics will likely be active in trade talks looking to bolster their lineup. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, one name to keep an eye on is Jakob Poeltl of the San Antonio Spurs.

“The name that has come up that people have speculated has been Jakob Poeltl from the Spurs,” Windhorst said.

Poeltl would be a nice upgrade for a Celtics’ frontcourt that is currently without starting center Robert Williams III and will be for multiple more weeks. Williams is recovering from a procedure on his knee and could miss the first half of the season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Boston Celtics Updates

With the return of Williams up in the air, the team has been relying on the ageless Al Horford, Blake Griffin and Noah Vonleh to soak up minutes in the middle. Poeltl would provide a nice upgrade, especially defensively, on that trio as he has proven he can anchor a team on that end of the court.

An efficient scorer, capable playmaker and excellent rebounder, Poeltl would bring a lot to the table for the Celtics, providing them another option in the middle as insurance in case Williams can’t get right.

The two franchises already have experience working with each other as well, as they completed a trade ahead of last season’s deadline centered around Derrick White heading to Boston in exchange for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a draft pick.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Boston Celtics Updates

But, it won’t be cheap acquiring him. The Spurs will likely be seeking at least one first-round pick as they are in the early stages of a rebuild that began when they traded Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks.

On an expiring contract and coming into his own the last few seasons, there will be plenty of competition for Poeltl ahead of the trade deadline should the Spurs make him available.

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