Former NBA Rebound Leader Signs with the Rockets
Clint Capela for a time was once known as one of the league’s best rebounders. However, injuries have slowed him down, and he has since looked to regain his form. After playing for both the Rockets and the Hawks in his career, today, it was announced that the veteran NBA Center has signed back with the Rockets on a three-year, $21.5 million deal. Capela averaged eight points and eight rebounds for the Hawks this season, but suffered a hand injury in May, which ended his season. He is one of the top big men available in this year's free agent cycle. Capela could be a force for a team that needs a reliable big man to contend for an NBA Championship.
Capela was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 25th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He played in 334 games and averaged 12 points and nine rebounds in his seven years in Houston. Capela appeared in 61 playoff games and averaged eight points and seven rebounds in the postseason. He helped the Rockets get to the Western Conference Finals in 2018, but Houston lost to Golden State in seven games. The former 2014 draft pick was traded to the Hawks in 2020 as part of a rebuild in Houston once their championship window had closed. Capela signed a contract extension in 2021 and has been a big piece for Trae Young and the Hawks' offense. He was a part of the Hawks team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Bucks in six games. However, after five years in Atlanta, the 30-year-old is set to enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team he wants.
Known for his ability to rebound at a high level, Capela has averaged double-figure rebounds in seven out of his 10 years in the association. He averaged a career-best 14 rebounds per game in 2020. He also led the NBA in offensive rebounds and offensive rebounds per game in the COVID-stricken year. By joining Houston, Capela helps open the floor for perimeter shooters, and he can help solidify the team’s presence in the paint. His ability to control the boards will ensure that whatever team he joins will have scoring chances and minimize the opposition's chances of scoring. He also excels in pick-and-roll sets and is a lob threat at any given moment. Now, he looks to make the playoffs once again with the Rockets.
