Clint Capela Returns to Rockets, Bolsters Houston’s Playoff Hopes

Clint Capela signed a three-year, $21.5 million deal with the Houston Rockets on Monday night, adding to their team's size. The Rockets had Capela for six NBA seasons before trading him to the Atlanta Hawks in 2020. He is now back with a team that wants to compete in the Western Conference, which is full of great big men.

This deal comes after the Rockets made significant moves to get Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith. These moves show that they want to win now. Durant will lead the attack, and Finney-Smith will help make up for the defensive versatility and outside shooting that the Suns lost when they traded for Dillon Brooks.

Last season, the Rockets did well with double-big teams. Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams almost beat the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game playoff series. However, when they faced teams with larger frontcourts, such as the Mavericks' Anthony Davis rotation, the Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, or the Thunder's Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, Houston required more power. Capela helps fill that gap, giving the Rockets a reliable third big man to rotate against the West’s towering lineups.

Houston had five blocks per game last season, which was 13th in the NBA. This was primarily because of busy wings like Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr., rather than their ability to protect the basket. Even though Sengun's defense is improving, it still lacks top shot blockers, and Adams adds toughness but not height. Capela, on the other hand, has blocked at least 1.6 shots per 36 minutes for each of the last five seasons. He gave Houston a committed shot-blocker they were missing.

This could be one of the toughest defensive teams in the NBA if Capela plays inside defense, and the Rockets have athletic players on the edges. This is important for competing in a conference where big men are the norm. Capela's return to Houston could be the last piece they need to make it to the playoffs.

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