2. Clint Capela, Houston Rockets
The Rockets were so ready to let Dwight Howard go, in part because they believed in Cappella. In his third year he has rewarded Houston. Averaging a career high 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, he is having a tremendous breakout season. Shooting 64% from the field, Capela is a dunk machine. An extraordinary athlete, Capela has become one of the most dangerous lob threats in the league.
He is a perfect pick and roll partner for Harden. These two are becoming Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan, with their lob connection. Cappella runs to the rim hard on every possession, and is there for early duck ins or putbacks. As an athletic big who can run, he has been a perfect fit for D’Antoni’s run and gun system.
Defensively he is a force, a true rim protector, who blocks a ton of shots and alters dozens more. His PER is 20.9, for a third year player that is excellent. He still needs to improve his free throw percentage, but he’s getting better and better. For Houston to make a deep run in the playoffs they need Capela at best, and he’s more than capable.