More than a month into the regular season, it has become apparent that the Charlotte Hornets might need some help at the center position. The team has two promising big men, Mark Williams and Nick Richards, but injuries have sidelined them for a significant amount of time.
It would be interesting to see how the Hornets fare once they fully recover from their ailments. However, there are also lingering concerns about whether Williams can ever be really healthy, considering his injury history.
Meanwhile, Richards has performed admirably as the replacement starter. Yet, his limitations have had people pessimistic about Charlotte's outlook if he is regularly entrusted with starting duties. The University of Kentucky product arguably fits better as the backup big.
Atlanta Hawks veteran could be a good fit on the Hornets
It's still too early to give up on the Williams and Richards duo. But the front office has hinted at its willingness to enter the trade market if it meant finding upgrades across the roster.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report recently projected each NBA team's most realistic trade targets, and one of the three he suggested for the Hornets is Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks, and he may be onto something.
Capela made a name for himself in the league by proving to be James Harden's ideal pick-and-roll partner on the Houston Rockets. His physique and mastery of the technique allowed him to freeze Harden's defenders and open up the floor for the former MVP.
Given that LaMelo Ball's usage rate is nearing Harden (in his prime) territory, Charlotte might have to look for a center like Capela — if not the Swiss big guy himself — as his partner. That should also allow the coaching staff to expand its offensive playbook, which has become the object of criticism from some Hornets fans.
On the other end of the floor, Capela isn't as lithe as he once was when he secured Defensive Player of the Year votes in 2018 and 2021. Still, he provides solid rim protection that could improve Charlotte's middle-of-the-pack paint defense.
The Hornets might hesitate to pull off a Capela trade because it could mean letting go of either Williams or Richards in exchange for a 30-year-old replacement. But if they're looking for a reliable guy to patrol the paint, he might just be a suitable solution.
Perhaps the European center could also serve as a mentor for Moussa Diabate and Tidjane Salaun if he finds himself in Charlotte. They would certainly have plenty of things in common, as he started his basketball career in France.