While other moves are receiving the most attention, Houston's decision to re-sign Clint Capela may be their most important move of the offseason. Of course, it took a bit longer to reach an agreement than originally expected, but according to one Rocket, there was never any doubt Capela would return.
Chris Paul appeared on NBA TV to discuss the upcoming season and Paul points out that the Rockets weren't concerned about losing Capela in free agency.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oP10SNdo7I
Around the two-minute mark, Paul was asked about how relieved the team was when they re-signed Capela, Paul responded:
“It was good and well, but I mean I guess for the fans in the basketball world they probably don't understand, we knew he wasn't going nowhere. You know what I mean? Like if you think about it, he was a restricted free agent. Clint wasn't going nowhere.”
So there clearly wasn't much concern from the Rockets about Capela reaching a deal. Clint Capela made gigantic improvements this past season and he finished second in voting for the Most Improved Player award, behind Indiana's Victor Oladipo.
Capela is invaluable to the Rockets scheme on both sides of the floor. His elite ability as the roll man in the pick-and-roll allows James Harden and Chris Paul to feast on opposing defenses.
And on the other end, his elite rim protection coupled with his ability to defend the perimeter make Capela one of the best defenders in the game.
He's a crucial aspect of Houston's success and it's clear there was never any doubt that the team would bring him back.
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