The pick and roll is a more popular play than it’s ever been before in the NBA. A modern offense is often built around that simple action. It doesn’t require much – an elite playmaker and a strong roll man. That can be the foundation of an entire attack.
The Dallas Mavericks are halfway there. They’ve got one of the best playmakers in the NBA in Luka Doncic. Kyrie Irving flanks him. Irving can comfortably run a pick-and-roll, but he’d also benefit from the defensive attention that a Doncic pick-and-roll draws as a safety valve. Do the Mavericks have their roll, man?
We will see. Dwight Powell is serviceable, but he could easily be upgraded. Richaun Holmes is similar. Derrick Lively III is talented, but he’s probably too green to be a reliable starter on a contender. The Mavericks were interested in veteran centers in the offseason, perhaps they revisit that route?
Could the Mavericks get Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks using an early-season trade?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Clint Capela
This would be far from the most significant trade to occur between these two teams in recent history. They made a swap that defined the future of both organizations.
On draft night, the Hawks sent the Mavericks the rights to select Luka Doncic in exchange for the rights to select Trae Young – and an additional draft pick.
The Hawks would go on to use that pick on DeAndre Hunter. It’s an interesting deal to relitigate. The Hawks may have felt they’d prefer to land a playmaker and a 3-and-D wing – even if it was an inferior playmaker. That’s sensible.
On the other hand, many would argue that they’d have been better off simply targeting the best player available. Either way, Doncic and Young have been two of the most prolific pick-and-roll ball-handlers in the NBA.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Hawks have made a concerted effort to keep an elite roll man alongside Young, while Dallas hasn’t done the same for Doncic. Should they start now?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Of course, Capela’s value doesn’t only come on the offensive end. He’s a stout rim protector as well. That’s key for Dallas. None of the big men we just listed are likely to anchor a sturdy defense next year, either. By contrast, Capela is virtually assured to do exactly that.
Yet, that offensive dynamic counts for a lot as well. Capela has been the backbone of a couple of elite pick-and-roll duos. He cut his teeth running that play with James Harden, then started running it with Young.
There is no reason to assume that it won’t work with Doncic. There’s every reason to assume that it will work. Finally, the Mavericks must pay Green next summer or lose him for nothing. They’ve got a decision to make about this young wing. Here, they’re making it.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If they don’t plan on extending him anyway, packaging him with Hardaway Jr. and a pick swap for Capela is an easy decision. Should the Hawks be interested in Green?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Mavericks could use an upgrade in their big-man rotation. That isn’t so for the Hawks. They’ve got a bit of a logjam. For years now, Capela has been blocking Onyeka Okongwu’s path to the starting lineup.
Here, the Hawks are finally clearing that runway. The younger Onkongwu may not be as reliable of a rim protector as Capela, but he should be more versatile. On the offensive end, he should be just as adept at finishing pick-and-rolls alongside Young as Capela.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, Hardaway Jr.’s contract is a bit questionable, but the Hawks could use a movement shooter. They may be interested in Green as well. Still, they’d be most interested in the pick swap they’re receiving here. After all, they can keep running pick-and-rolls even without Capela.
