No position’s more heavily debated in the NBA than the center position. Often, we find ourselves asking – is this guy a center? Should he play the 4? In the new, positionless league, being tall isn’t enough to make you a 5.
Take Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Is he a 5? It’s a matter of debate. Holmgren is tall and long, but he’s remarkably thin. Some would have him function as a primary rim protector, while others would prefer to see him as a weak side shot blocker.
On the other hand, there’s no debate about Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks – he’s a center. Capela isn’t going to play any other position.
Could the Thunder acquire him this season?
NBA Trade Proposal: Oklahoma City Thunder Land Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU via OKC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Clint Capela
Here’s a related question: does it matter? Are we stuck in antiquated notions about positions? Is the question of what position Holmgren plays even relevant?
Arguably, no. The important questions revolve around what types of skill sets complement each other. Should Holmgren be stationed in drop coverage defensively, or should he defend at the level? Which types of players would help him in which schemes?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Aren’t these the same questions? Call him a 5, 4, or a 6 if you want. The questions relate to how a player like Holmgren should be used no matter how you frame them. Can he function next to Capela?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
We don’t know. After all, the Thunder don’t have a player like Capela. That’s why they’re making this move. The Thunder should be collecting data on Holmgren to figure out how he’s best deployed.
In all likelihood, Capela won’t be a starter for the Thunder. He’s past his prime, and he’s got a limited skillset. Still, he should be a prominent rotation player. Oklahoma City could deploy him alongside Holmgren, and also use him as his primary backup.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
After all, Capela remains a strong rim protector who can finish pick-and-roll sets. The Thunder are especially lacking in the vertical spacing that Capela provides – they could use a lob threat. Should the Hawks part with such a useful player?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Does height determine whether a player is a 5? If so, the Hawks shouldn’t do this deal. They don’t have a backup plan for Capela. After all, Onyeka Onkongwu is only about 6’8.
We jest. Onkongwu can play the 5. That’s a large part of why the Hawks are doing this deal. It’s time for them to move Capela and clear the runway for the younger Onkongwu. His ability to switch will help the Hawks develop a more versatile defensive scheme.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
So, taking a flyer on Pokusevski has some merit. Still, the main point here is to acquire a trio of second-round picks. In time, the Hawks may use one of those picks to select a 5 – or not.
