Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Rockets have easily been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. Coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance in last season and the signing of Ty Lawson in the offseason, the Rockets were supposed to be serious contenders this year. So far, they have managed to run off a great coach in Kevin McHale and seem to lack any ounce of will to compete on a regular basis. To say this season has started off slow is an understatement.
The Rockets have one major bright spot this season and his name is Clint Capela. The 21-year-old rookie stands 6-foot-11 and has the athletic ability of a small forward. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Capela has two double-doubles in three games and the Rockets are 2-1 in those games. He has as many double-doubles as James Harden does this season (4), and he plays about 20 minutes less per game than Harden does. Also, Capela holds a .653 field goal percentage which is good for second in the league, behind only DeAndre Jordan.
Capela is currently the Rockets’ best player not named James Harden. His presence in altering shots and pounding the glass can be seen every time he is in the game. If and when the Rockets decide to dismantle this team, it is comforting to know Capela can be put into the starting center position for years to come.
