The Houston Rockets have made a strategic move this offseason by signing Clint Capela to complement their already towering roster, with the primary objective of ensuring they can maintain a strong front line, even when Steven Adams faces limitations. As the season progresses, it has become evident that Capela possesses the capability to share similar responsibilities as Adams and could be an essential asset in managing the latter’s minutes effectively to sustain his health.
Adams has distinguished himself as one of the league’s premier offensive rebounders this season, currently averaging 9.2 rebounds per game, which contributes significantly to the Rockets’ top-ranked offensive rebound percentage. Despite his value, Adams has also averaged limited points and assists, indicating a reliance on Capela to provide additional offensive support when needed.
Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka has recently experimented with lineup changes, moving away from starting with a dual-big setup to utilizing smaller lineups at the beginning of games. Nevertheless, he continues to leverage the advantages of the bigger players during mid-game scenarios to exploit mismatches. This evolving strategy creates a unique situation for Capela, who has seen limited court time—averaging just 9.9 minutes over his first 11 games. However, his productivity during those minutes has been commendable, with impressive averages of 11.9 points and 15.3 rebounds per 36 minutes.
In recent matchups, Capela’s playing time has fluctuated. Following a game where he received a DNP against the Orlando Magic, he clocked over 13 minutes in games against the Cavaliers and the Suns, showcasing his potential impact. Despite the Rockets’ overall performance being slightly negative during his time on the court, Capela demonstrated his effectiveness and readiness to step up when called upon.
Given Adams’ previous injury struggles this season, finding a balanced rotation that allows Capela to play between 13 to 16 minutes per game seems imperative for the Rockets. While Capela may not match Adams’ rebounding prowess, he has established himself as a capable contributor in limited minutes. Optimally utilizing both players could enhance the team’s success while also preserving Adams’ health throughout the demanding season. This dual approach presents a promising pathway for the Rockets to maintain strength in the paint without compromising on performance or player health.