3. Re-Signing Clint Capela to a Long-Term Deal
When you think of the success of the Rockets, the first two names that come to mind are James Harden and Chris Paul. However, the role of center Clint Capela is also crucial to the team’s success.
Capela enjoyed the best season of his brief NBA career last season as he entered the final year of his contract. He averaged a double-double, and had career highs in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. He also led the league in field goal percentage, making 65.2 percent of his shots.
Yet, it’s the role he plays in Houston that makes him so valuable. Capela’s ability to dominate inside the paint forces teams to guard him, which leaves wide open shooters at the 3-point line. This type of inside/out scheme is similar to the system Dwight Howard flourished in with the Orlando Magic.
He’s also developed incredible chemistry with James Harden through their four years playing together. As seen by the halfcourt alley-oop from Harden below, Capela has developed an intuition of what his star guard is thinking and when the ball is coming.
Even though he allows the Rockets to stretch the floor offensively, he is just as important on the defensive end. Capela is a viable defender in the paint. Last season, opposing teams shot 5.1 percentage points below their season average when he was defending.
Houston is the perfect system for Capela, and his presence is mutually beneficial for the team. Much like Dwight Howard, it’s possible that he wouldn’t be the same player under another coach and system. In this situation, re-signing the restricted free agent was as crucial for the franchise as it was for the player.
Grade: A
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