The Atlanta Hawks have not yet been able to recreate the magic of their 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Since then, Atlanta has lost its first two rounds of the playoffs in disappointing fashion. The Hawks don’t appear to be returning to their previous standing, based on how the 2023–24 NBA season is starting so far.
After one month of the regular season, Atlanta has a 7-7 record and is ranked ninth in the Eastern Conference. Undoubtedly, since Quin Snyder joined the Hawks in February of this year, the team has improved in appearance. It’s evident, though, that this team still requires some changes.
During the offseason, the Hawks already dealt Utah Jazz starting power forward John Collins. For Jalen Johnson, a third-year forward having a breakout season, his departure created a huge opportunity. Maybe a similar move could improve one of the Hawks’ more talented young players’ game.
In case you were wondering, we are discussing Atlanta’s ultimate trade of Clint Capela to the Hawks in order to allow Onyeka Okongwu to start at center. It’s not really a question of whether the Hawks will hand Okongwu the reins. The question is when. Atlanta has already estimated what it could obtain from Capela in the market.
That being said, the Hawks ought to take the next step this season and give Onyeka Okongwu the opportunity to take over as head coach. The Hawks ought to deal Clint Capela as soon as possible for the following reasons.
Reasons for trading Clint Capela to the Hawks
As previously stated, the Hawks should finally trade Clint Capela in order to allow Onyeka Okongwu to reach his full potential. The main reason Okongwu has only demonstrated a small portion of his potential is because Capela has stood in his way.
However, the youthful center has been gradually reducing the veteran’s playing time. The two are practically in a timeshare this season. With the Hawks this season, Capela has started every game and is averaging more than 25 minutes per game. Okongwu, meanwhile, is clocking in 22.4 minutes every night.
Prior to the season, there was conjecture that the two large men might occasionally share the floor. However, they have only played together for two minutes this season, which makes sense.
This action might be compared to the Miami Heat’s trade of Hassan Whiteside, which made it possible for Bam Adebayo to develop into an All-Star center in the end.
When Okongwu was originally selected by the Hawks, he was compared to Adebayo. Maybe the soon-to-be 23-year-old will follow the same path as the Heat All-Star with a similar move.
Clint Capela is what he is at this point: a defensive anchor whose primary responsibilities on the other end are to guard the rim and grab rebounds, and a rim-running big man who only plays close to the basket.
On the other hand, Okongwu’s offensive skill set is more varied. Though his outside shot is still mainly inconsistent, he can shoot farther than paint and has even demonstrated moments of spacing the floor. Still, the kid acknowledged that he spent the summer honing his three-point shot.
At just 6-foot-8, Okongwu is undersized, but he has more than enough skill to defendively anchor the paint. In the previous two seasons, he averaged 1.3 blocks per game, and this year, he is averaging almost a block per game. He also offers versatility in going out and staying in front of quicker players on the perimeter and is more mobile than Capela.
Okongwu’s potential is undeniable, and Hawks supporters must be wondering all the time what he would look like under pressure.
Concerning Capela, the Hawks ought to have no issue locating a trade partner for the 29-year-old. Here is a potential trade partner for the seasoned center that Atlanta may consider.
Clint Capela is a trade target for the Hawks.
The Hawks, who are in need of a starting center following Steven Adams’s season-ending injury, might attempt to get in contact with the Memphis Grizzlies. Ja Morant is still serving a 25-game suspension, which is making Memphis’ season worse. With that, the Hawks might be able to try to send Capela to Memphis in exchange for defensive mainstay Marcus Smart.
In Atlanta’s backcourt rotation, Smart would be a valuable addition. His energy and tenacity on defense, along with his consistent three-point shooting on offense, will make him a valuable addition to the team as the former Defensive Player of the Year. Furthermore, his presence practically guarantees that Trae Young always has a top-tier perimeter defender at his side in the backcourt.
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