Clint Capela’s Role Just Got a Whole Lot Bigger in Houston
The Houston Rockets just took a major hit to their frontcourt depth, and suddenly, Clint Capela is back in the spotlight.
With Fred VanVleet already sidelined since before the season began, the Rockets have been walking a tightrope when it comes to depth. Now, with Steven Adams officially out for the season due to an ankle injury, Houston loses a key piece of its rotation - and one of its most physical presences in the paint. That leaves Capela, a familiar face in Rockets red, with a much bigger role than expected.
The Trade Chip That’s Now a Necessity
Capela wasn’t exactly a lock to be on the roster past the trade deadline. His name had been floating around as a potential salary-matching piece in a deal - especially if Houston wanted to chase another guard to help offset VanVleet’s absence. But Adams’ injury changes the calculus.
Now, Capela isn’t just staying - he’s needed. The Rockets don’t have the cap flexibility to bring in a free agent who can replicate what Adams brings defensively and on the glass.
And with limited wiggle room to make a trade, Capela’s contract is no longer a tool to facilitate a deal. It’s part of the solution.
A Far Cry from Peak Capela, But Still Valuable
Let’s be honest - this isn’t the same Clint Capela who once averaged a double-double in his sleep. Through 38 games this season, he’s averaging just 3.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game - both lows we haven’t seen since his rookie year, when he barely cracked the rotation.
At 31, the bounce that once defined his game has faded. He’s not rotating as quickly, he’s not finishing with the same authority, and defensively, he’s looked a step behind at times. But even with those limitations, Capela remains the best internal option Houston has to back up Alperen Sengun.
This isn’t about rediscovering the old Capela - it’s about finding ways to maximize what he can still give you in short bursts. He’s had flashes this season - moments where he’s protected the rim, cleaned up the glass, or found himself in the right spot for an easy bucket. The Rockets are going to need more of those moments now, and on a more consistent basis.
What This Means for the Rockets’ Deadline Plans
Before Adams went down, Capela’s expiring deal gave Houston some flexibility. Package his salary with a young piece, and maybe you’re in the market for a veteran guard or a 3-and-D wing.
That’s off the table now. If the Rockets want to make a move, they’ll have to do it without Capela’s contract as a trade chip - and that narrows the field considerably.
In fact, depending on how Capela holds up in this expanded role, the Rockets might even have to pivot from adding a guard to shopping for another big. That’s not ideal, especially with the team trying to stay competitive in a crowded Western Conference.
The Bigger Picture
Losing Steven Adams doesn’t sink Houston’s season, but it does lower the ceiling. His toughness, rebounding, and screen-setting were a big part of what made the Rockets' second unit tick. Without him, there’s more pressure on Sengun to carry the frontcourt load - and more pressure on Capela to hold the line when Sengun sits.
Houston’s margin for error just got thinner. But in a season where the team has already had to adapt on the fly, this is just the latest test. If Capela can find a rhythm and give the Rockets solid minutes, it won’t just help stabilize the rotation - it could be the difference between staying in the playoff mix or sliding backward.
So here we are: Clint Capela, once on the trade block, now a crucial cog in Houston’s playoff push. His time to shine may not look like it once did, but for the Rockets, it couldn’t come at a better time.