Would trading for Pels big man Willy Hernangomez make more sense than Jakob Poeltl for the Boston Celtics?
Would trading for Pels big man Willy Hernangomez make more sense than Jakob Poeltl for the Boston Celtics? By now, most fans have heard about the rumored interest of the Celtics in picking up San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl, presumably as a bit of insurance and as a minutes-eater to preserve the legs of Boston bigs Robert Williams III and Al Horford for the postseason.
But such a trade would likely be costly, as would bringing back the German big man in free agency this summer. Instead, ESPN’s Bobby Marks proposes a trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez that could make more sense for what the Celtics need.
Currently seeing his minutes decrease due to the Pels’ frontcourt needs being met by better players, Hernangomez could play an elastic role with Boston as needed, his 6-foot-11 frame and ability to adapt to whatever role his teams have needed in the past suggesting he’d be a good fit.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) January 17, 2023
Though he doesn’t have much of a game away from the basket, he can at least hit an occasional near-bucket jumper and works hard on the boards every night.
Averaging 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in just under 12 minutes per game while earning just $2.4 million this season and a similar amount next, Boston could do far worse than dealing the two second-rounders Marks envisions as the cost.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
Related
Celtics alum James Young inks deal with Greek League's Kolossos Rodou B.C.
Did Grant WIlliams make a mistake not agreeing to an extension in the offseason?
Will the Boston Celtics stay hot for the rest of the season?
How can the Boston Celtics improve in the second half of the 2022-23 NBA season?
Celtics Lab 166: On Cs-Dubs rematch and whether Boston has exorcised finals demons with Tommy Call III
Shams: Boston Celtics among teams with significant trade interest in San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl
List
NBA Twitter reacts to Jayson Tatum's season-high 51 in win over Hornets
List
Jayson Tatum's trainer Drew Hanlen on how 2022 NBA Finals loss became fuel for 2022-23
List
Bleacher Report floats two forwards and a center as Boston Celtics trade deadline targets
List
A new cadre of players become trade eligible as of Jan. 15; Do any make sense for the Boston Celtics?
