I was talking about Capela. There was mostly no difference between his Sixers game defense and other games. I understand now that a big portion of this board exclusively equates steals and blocks with defense.
Dwight was obsolete last year, people just have a hard time moving on from their favorites and looking into a more modern game. They will eventually get there. DD
Love this guy's hustle, promise. DHo quit promising to hustle. Let him thrive in Hotlanta, for a while anyway...
I don't know if anyone has posted this yet or not, but I was looking at Capela's per 36 numbers through the first 12 games, and look how close they are to Dwight's per 36 numbers last season: Capela: 15.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks. 0.9 assists, 2.4 turnovers on 62% shooting Dwight: 15.4 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.5 assists, 2.6 turnovers on 62% shooting The statistical closeness is even more striking when comparing advanced stats: Capela: 19.4 PER, 60.4% TS%, 20.2% TRB%, .139 WS/48 Dwight: 18.9 PER, 60.4% TS%, 20.2% TRB%, .138 WS/48 And that was before tonight's game, so obviously Clint's numbers are going to be slightly better than this in most categories. But my point is simply that, regardless of your opinion of Dwight vs. Capela, the Rockets are essentially getting identical production out of a guy that they're paying a fraction of the cost, has a far great long-term potential and a far better chemistry with the guys in the locker room. Obviously it's early in the season, but I honestly don't think the Rockets are missing Dwight one bit right now. In the playoffs, though.... That's another conversation.
Damn. For real I thought Dwight was doing better then Capela. That speaks to how well Clint has preformed. Since he was here from the jump of the new system, he might grow into the perfect center for it.
If Capela can become a guy that not only can play 32mpg but coaches want/need him to play 32mpg than watch out. This guy has legit 16-18ppg 10-12 rebound with 2-3 blks a night potential. Clints a stud he's getting better and better every game. His passing is impressing me a lot that's somthing that will only improve as he gets older and older. His hands are fantastic and his touch around the hoop is very good. Guys growing into a max player right before our eyes. We need to get that stud small forward (Paul George anyone?) before we have to pay Clint after next year.
If he misses too many DUNKS and BUNNIES I think he leaves about 4~8 points on the court every night Rocket River
Capela is feasting on Hardens elite passing similar to DJ from Paul. That said he is displaying some good aggressive moves around the basket in creating his own shots and his defense has picked up considerably. I think it really comes down to being more aggressive and better conditioning we all knew the talent was there. Capela at 30 minutes or so and Nene alternating games with Harrell for the other 18 minutes has looked great.
Wait a minute, Dwight was putting up 20/14 when he was 22. And shot 59% from the FT line. Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves? Love the potential, but come on, remember Dwight was without question the second best player in the league for awhile. Let's not let expectations get out of hand.
Dwight for some reason (maybe worried about long term injuries?) did not like to run the pick and roll with Harden and wanted to be fed his touches in the post where he is significantly less efficient at finishing. Dwight is no doubt a better player than Clint in skill, power and athleticism but he just didn't want to play within the system which in turn resulted in sub-par performances and team chemistry issues. Given what they're getting paid, their ages and where they currently are in their respective stage of their careers, Clint has been a breath of fresh air from the stench left in the wake of Dwight's departure. Look forward to see him continuing to develop with positive energy, hustle and mentality.
I think it may be due to Shaq and the pressure to follow in his footsteps. For some reason Howard has followed the career path of Shaq (drafted in Orlando, went to LAL, Superman as his nickname) so I guess he wanted to be acknowledged as Shaq and be a post up beast as well. It might also be that playing up and down the court dunking the ball is tough on Dwight's body as unlike Capela who is very lean and mean Dwight actually bulked up his body and gained a lot of weight, playing Capela would probably deteriorate his already bad knees even more since all those dunks would be hell when he lands. I think Dwight can totally be a PnR beast but it would require slimming down and total adjustment like what Lebron did last year. I know Dwight is a gym nut but I don't know if he has the required work ethic to be able to change his body frame and his workout style that he has become accustomed to all these years.
As important as anything tonight....31 minutes. If he can give that regularly, his value to this team increases substantially.
Between Capela willing to pick and roll and having real stretch 4 in Anderson, they've unleashed the bearded beast to maximum potential.
True but 2015-2016 Howard versus Capela this year... I'm taking Capela with less drama headcase issues to deal with night in and night out
