The Houston Rockets have been busy in the days leading up to the draft as they worked out a trade between the New Orleans Pelicans for a first round pick as early as next year for Omer Asik and are active in trying to move Jeremy Lin, but that was put on hold when the team was on the clock with the No. 25 pick.
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The Rockets have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for either LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony if they can clear enough space on the salary cap which is why they’re trying to trade Lin and why there were rumors the Rockets would be drafting an international prospect they can stash overseas and not count against the cap.
That’s exactly what the Rockets did when they drafted Clint Capela who averaged 9.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in the French league playing for team Chalon.
With James Harden and Dwight Howard and the possibility of James or Anthony joining this team, Houston is gearing up for a run at the NBA Title and had to stash a player overseas to keep that dream of one of those free agents coming to the Rockets.
Twitter reacted to the news of the Rockets getting one of the best players to ever come out of Switzerland.
With the 25th pick, the Rockets have selected CLINT CAPELA from Switzerland! 🚀
— Houston Rockets Fans (@REDNATlON) June 27, 2014
Welcome to Clutch City, but don't get too comfortable.
Houston's selection of Swiss forward Clint Capela allows them to get future asset without using cap room.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) June 27, 2014
Rockets: Clint Capela: B: Gives great length and helps them with defense. May take some time, but could block out the sun with Howard.
— Matt Moore Action Network NBA (@MattMooreTAN) June 27, 2014
Clint Capela appealed to Rockets because he can say "Somebody guard Lillard" in four languages.
— Mark Whicker (@MWhicker03) June 27, 2014