Do we really win this game with Capella? We might have had a better chance of winning the game with Capella but I don't see him as the difference maker between us being an elite team and an above average team. Capella is replaceable, just not by anyone we currently have. We need an upgrade and I hope we aren't just hoping this chemistry is going to take us to the finals and help us win it all.
Replaceable how? In the sense that better players exist that could be acquired at some hypothetical cost? Ok well then in that case about 99% of the league is replaceable. Replaceable in the sense that we can easily replicate his production and have the same caliber of team? No way. Consider having Harrell off the bench and every big man having more rest and energy, along with the versatility of playing the right player in the right situation. We don't have another guy that averages 2 blocks per game, defends the paint well, can finish the pick and roll at such an efficient rate, and draw fouls on the opposing team.
It's the little things that can make or break a team in a game. Our bench got handled tonight and perhaps a reason could be Montrezl was not part of it for his 15 mins as he is used to. Instead he plays almost double the minutes and his motor is not there as much during crucial plays. Who knows. But having Capela could have jump started this team to a larger lead off the bat and having Montrezl hustling down low with the second unit could have given Gordon some wide open 3 attempts instead of forced ones.
Don't forget that Capela and Harden PnR is a huge part of our 1st quarter offense. How often is harrell unable to finish the PnR while capela is almost always scoring? Also our 2nd unit is way weaker with capelas injury. Loosing capela is a huge huge huge deal, people are starting to get it
I'd throw in a first as well. Nerlens Noel would be a maniac on PnR with Beard. Think Capela but even more so. Blocked shots and steals would increase too.
I don't like this one bit. The hallmark of great teams besides the superstars are the willing role players who go in night in and night out guarding the best players and doing what it takes. Beverly is undoubtedly one of the most beloved on this Rockets team - the Mario elite, the Vernon maxwell, the Kenny smiths who are the lungs that feed the heart.
