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NBA Rumors: Ideal landing spots for the top 6 restricted free agents

By Robbie Stratakos

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 28: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets shoots against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 28: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets shoots against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Clint Capela – Houston Rockets

Last season, the Rockets came one win away from reaching the NBA Finals. And if it wasn’t for Chris Paul suffering a hamstring injury in Game 5 – which sidelined him for the remainder of the series – Houston probably would’ve won one of its final two Western Conference games against the Warriors. If their core can remain intact for the 2018-19 season, the Rockets will have the best chance of dethroning the Warriors out West, and center Clint Capela is a big reason why.

Capela has come into his own as one of the best centers in the game. He has a knack for hitting the boards, finishing in the paint, and is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. Averaging 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, Capela was a two-way force for Houston, albeit his abysmal free throw shooting (Capela shot just 56.0 percent from the free throw line last season).

Capela and James Harden play well with one another. They form one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the NBA, and are each necessities to the well-being of the Rockets going forward. Surely, there will be teams looking to extend a contract to the defensive-savvy center, but the Rockets should be looking to extend an offer of their own, or match one that the 24-year-old signs with another team. It’s vital that the Rockets keep their core in place if they want to challenge Golden State again next season and remain a Western Conference powerhouse.

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