Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni expects center Clint Capela to be ‘great' in the upcoming 2019-20 season.
D'Antoni, who's coming back for his fourth year as Rockets head coach, noted that Capela has always brought his game up a notch every year. The veteran tactician also pointed out how Capela's FIBA World Cup experience could help him in the upcoming season.
D'Antoni on Capela (continued): "Every year he's improved and I expect him to do the same thing this year. He had great work with his national team. He's come in ready to roll. Barring unforseen circumstances, he's going to be great [this season]."
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 28, 2019
Moreover, D'Antoni recalled Capela's poor performance in the 2019 playoffs and defended his young center. The coach said that the Swiss big man was sick during the postseason, which affected his play.
Mike D'Antoni on Clint Capela's poor playoff performance:
"Clint had a little downer towards the end because he got sick because he got a virus that got him… So it's understandable, but hopefully that'll galvinize him."
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) September 28, 2019
Over the past few seasons, Capela has established himself as one of the key pillars of the Rockets. Last season, he led the team in rebounds (12.7 per game) and blocked shots (1.5) per game.
This season, much more is expected from Capela. The Rockets just acquired former MVP Russell Westbrook via trade and part of Capela's task is to find a way to co-exist with their new star.
Given Westbrook's high-octane playing style, Capela will have to raise his intensity level to the max.
D'Antoni, too, will likely design some plays involving Capela and Westbrook. As such, they have to execute it seamlessly if they want to succeed. But considering D'Antoni's confidence in him, there shouldn't be a problem in Houston.