Center

Aloha,

There has been a lot written about our center position and for good reason. It is our single biggest need. My view is we do not have to land our forever center this year. It could just be a competent place holder. What I don’t want to see is the Lakers over paying when they will have much more in cap space starting in 2026.

Nic Claxton has been a popular name. I’m not sold on Nic. I’ve read posts that we should trade for him and then sign Clint Capella as his backup using the tax payer MLE. But who should backup who. Let’s take a look.

Nic is skinny. 215 pounds. In 26.9 minutes he averaged 10.3 points per game, 1.4 blocks and 7.4 rebounds 2.2 of them offensive.

Clinton weighs 240 and can bang. In 21.4 minutes he averaged 8.9 points. 1 block and 8.4 rebounds 3.2 of them offensive.

Now what is the smarter play? Sending 26 mil in salary and our 1st round pick for Claxton. Or sign Capella for the tax payer MLE? Capella is older but still effective. I think there could be better options at center down the road. We have to many other needs to fill to blow most of our assets on the Center position. Keep in mind we have a very good team. We really don’t need a high end center which we really don’t have the assets for. Just a solid center for this year will do.