Re-Drafting the 2014 NBA Draft

Clint Capela. 13. player. 86. <p><strong>Original pick: Zach LaVine</strong></p> <p>Would you be interested in a 22-year-old center that just posted a PER of 18.2, blocked more than two shots per 36 minutes and averaged a double-double in that same time frame?</p> <p>“Yes” is the only acceptable answer, and if that is the route you chose, you would be interested in Clint Capela.</p> <p>Many casual NBA fans have no comprehension of Capela’s real value, in large part because he has played two seasons behind Dwight Howard in Houston. In 2015-2016, though, Capela was able to make 35 starts due in large part to Howard’s injury issues, and he took full advantage. The big man from Switzerland averaged only 7.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, but when considering those numbers came in only 19.1 minutes, it is easy to see why Capela would be extremely valuable.</p> <p>In the grand scheme, his value comes on the defensive end, as Capela is already a very nice rim protector that uses his athleticism to cover well in pick-and-roll. In addition, he is an above-average rebounder even at the center position, and that should help Capela make up for an admittedly limited offensive skill set.</p> <p>Capela is the first player on this list that is <em>definitely</em> a pure role player moving forward, but rim protectors are so valuable that being a role player in <em>that</em> aspect is just fine.</p>. C. Switzerland