The Celtics Already Have Their Version Of Clint Capela With Robert Williams

The Celtics earmarked Robert Williams as a potential target in the 2018 NBA Draft. When he fell down the board to the 27th slot, Boston was happy to select him. Their hope was that he could develop into their version of Clint Capela. A rim protector who could run the floor and play above the cylinder. During the draft process, Williams was compared to Capela over and over again.

In recent days, reports have surfaced that the Celtics have interest in adding Capela via trade. Houston shopping him heavy in pursuit of adding a high functioning wing player. I hate the idea on so many levels. Most of all, I hate it because they already have their version of Capela on the roster. Robert Williams can be the Celtics version of Clint Capela, if not better.

The Celtics can’t give up on Time Lord too soon. The biggest issue has been health. Williams has only played in 19 games this year. He’s still raw and not totally refined, but he has shown flashes of being capable of filling that role. He is converting 67.3 percent of his shots along with 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 14.2 minutes per night. That falls in line with what Capela did in his second year. Only difference is Capela was on the floor a lot.

There are two traits that Williams has that Capela does not. Williams is a much better passer. For a big guy, he really does have the ability to be a facilitator.

Nice pass here from Robert Williams. His passing and court vision has gotten so much better over the last year. pic.twitter.com/ZefWBzVlXm

— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) November 16, 2019

Robert Williams showing off his passing skills! On time, on target. pic.twitter.com/9RcbZizQcW

— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) November 6, 2019

Clint Capela can’t do that. Once Williams is able to refine his game, his passing game will be a weapon in this offense. Especially on a team with so many dangerous scorers like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, and Kemba Walker.

The other thing I think Williams has is more of that nastier edge. In many ways, he looks like a young DeAndre Jordan. Blocking shots, catching lobs, and doing it in a way to intimidate teams. Williams high end play looks a lot more springy than Capela does now.

The Robert Williams mix you needed 😤 pic.twitter.com/WCbSXwdvrl

— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) July 8, 2019

I’m not sure anybody knows what Robert Williams will turn into. We haven’t seen him enough to find out. What we do know is trading for Clint Capela feels pretty silly when you have a guy on the roster that looks a hell of a lot like him but has the potential but be better. Especially when Robert Williams is making less than $2 million and Capela is making close to $15 million.

Danny Ainge Gave His Thoughts On The Celtics As The Trade Deadline Looms

Riding with the 3 man rotation of Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter, and Robert Williams makes the most sense for the Celtics. The Theis and Kanter group has been very productive for Boston. Especially when you throw in how promising Grant Williams looks. If someone promising hits the buyout market, so be it. Trading for Capela? Pass. They already have that guy on the team in the form of Robert Williams. Now we just need to see him healthy and on the court again.