Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best centers available

By Baasil Ebrahim

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 22: DeMarcus Cousins
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 22: DeMarcus Cousins /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the first quarter in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 23, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the first quarter in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 23, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

2. Clint Capela

Capela played major minutes for a team that would seemingly want a modern 5 more than any other. Yet, he does not shoot 3 pointers or free throws very well. That alone speaks to how good he is at what he does.

Capela rebounds, protects the rim, and runs the floor while finishing at the rim. That is his game and he does it well. Last season, he ranked in the top 6 in offensive, defensive, and total rebound percentage. Often times, he was the only Rocket that would be expected to rebound the ball, but he took that role and flew with it. He averaged 10.8 rebounds per game, and only didn’t have more is because his minutes had to be limited due to his poor free throw shooting.

Defensively, he can single-handedly protect the rim. He has no problem helping off of his man to come over and contest a layup. The Rockets used this as they would often have offensive minded players on the floor, who if beat on defense, could count on Capela to alter their opponent’s shot.

Lastly, he showed the ability to run the floor well. If he didn’t get the rebound, he would leak out and give the Rockets another body on the break. He would then get the ball for dunks and layups which he turned into a league-leading 65.2% effective field goal percentage.

The Rockets will probably resign Capela. However, if not, he will make a great center for a team who only wants to play one big man.

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