Clint Capela first came to Houston nearly six years ago as a relatively raw 20-year-old prospect from Switzerland, selected late in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Rockets.
He leaves as an accomplished starting center who ranks fourth in the entire NBA in rebounds (13.8) per game. And at 25 years old, Capela should have a long career still in front of him.
It’s been quite a journey for Capela, who the Rockets traded to Atlanta earlier this week in the deal bringing Robert Covington to Houston.
Over his six seasons in Houston, Capela grew from a mild-mannered rookie who played only sparingly to a confident starter and a double-double machine, valuable enough for Atlanta to send out a future first-round pick to acquire him. Earlier Thursday, Rockets GM Daryl Morey thanked him on Instagram, saying he watched Capela “grow into a lion.”
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A few hours later, the 6-foot-10 big man took to Instagram to compose his own thoughts. Among his statements:
Where do I even begin? These last 5.5 years have been filled with too many great memories to recount! I came here as a new 20-year-oldold just trying to make it, prove that I belong in this league, and hoping to one day have a lasting impact on the organization that drafted me.
I’m beyond thankful to have been a part of a championship contender year in and year out. Thank you Houston for all you’ve brought to my life, the organization, my teammates and the fans who have embraced and supported me throughout this journey. I thank you!
Capela also thanked the fans for supporting his CC15 Foundation, which strives to help provide resources and opportunities to children in foster care and children of low-income single-parents.
Over his five-plus seasons in Houston, Capela averaged 12.2 points (63.4% shooting) and 9.7 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game. He assumed the starting job before the 2016-17 season, and then averaged double-digit points and rebounds in every year from 2017-18 onward.
From a team perspective, the Rockets made the NBA playoffs in each of Capela’s five completed years in Houston, and they’re well on their way to doing so again in 2019-20. They never had a losing season.
Capela was a starter in 2017-18 on the winningest team in franchise history, when Houston went 65-17 and pushed eventual champion Golden State to the brink of elimination in the Western Conference Finals before losing Chris Paul to an ill-timed hamstring injury.
To Clint, Gerald and Nenê, we thank you! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/UtRnYS3SZc
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 7, 2020
Capela was the Houston’s second-longest tenured player at the time of this week’s trade, trailing only franchise centerpiece James Harden.
Beyond appreciation from the team and fans, Capela’s positive attitude was also appreciated by media members covering the Rockets.
OK, here's another:
Was hanging around Danuel House's locker in Toronto pregame when he was coming back from the flu. After a while as House was getting treatment, Capela took out his ear buds, called over to me, "Jonathan, anything I can help you with?"
The guy is a pleasure. https://t.co/wKgBQtagry
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 5, 2020
The Rockets and Hawks already had their two annual meetings in the 2019-20 season, so Capela won’t play against his old team until next season. But whenever he ultimately returns to Toyota Center in Houston, it’s safe to assume there will be an much deserved tribute video.
A new adventure awaits me, and hopefully some of you will tune in. I’m just getting started.
🗣🗣🗣@CapelaClint checking in for the first time, Hawks fans #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/We9KOPNH9x
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 6, 2020