One crazy trade every NBA team should make

11. Houston Rockets

Well, this is nice. Who would have thought coming into this year that Harden would be leading the league in assists this many games into the season? And yeah, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson’s contracts may be albatrosses by the time they reach later years, but for now they’re albatrosses in the soaring, majestic way rather than the annoying necklace variety. Beverly has been a menace again. D’antoni has been D’antastic. It’s a lovely time to be a Rockets fan.

These are all nice things, but we have to talk about the frontcourt. One of the big boons has been the play of center Clint Capela. He’s slight, but he’s athletic. He’s inexperienced, but he’s learning fast. His defense is strong, and his rim running is on point. Him and Harden have been perhaps the most highlighty pick and roll combo in the NBA this season.

But one is left to wonder what it would be like if there were someone playing center with a bit more seasoning. Capela is going to grow into some semblance of great, but with the Rockets looking like a top-flight team in the Western Conference, there’s not much time to wait. If they’re going to try and challenge the Warriors or the Spurs, they need to act on the opportunity.

They need someone who’s been deep in the playoffs. Maybe someone with a history of game-changing defense. Maybe someone who can soar and slam it well enough to get into the dunk contest. I’m looking for someone who has worked with Rockets monument Hakeem Olajuwon to be the best he can be. The center of tomorrow can come tomorrow. The Rockets need the center of today today.

And I’ve got just the guy.

Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks for Dwight Howard