Put it this way: it may not mean much that he's dominating the D-league, but it's much better that he dominate it than not. I'm pretty sure if you don't dominate the D-league, then that's a bad sign. In statistical terms, dominating the D-league has a low positive predictive value and a high negative predictive value for becoming really good in the NBA.
Very well put. Dominating the D-League is what any NBA level talent should do, but doing so doesn't necessarily prove that a player has NBA level talent. Basically, it's a crap shoot. T-Will, Dorsey, and Brooks are 3 players that come to mind that all played well in their D-League stints when assigned there by the Rockets. Out of those 3, one is a very serviceable backup PG who I would gladly take on this team even now. Dorsey shouldn't be sniffing an NBA court, and Terrence Williams was so talented, but he just wasn't able to put it all together on the NBA level. A couple of triple doubles showed what he could do, but he was too inconsistent to make an impact on a good team. It is still a useful tool for teams to get their younger players on the court regularly who wouldn't be getting minutes on the NBA level, but it doesn't serve as the best measuring stick for NBA readiness.
Yes, he looked lost in his NBA debut, but dude is wicked fast around the basket! Looking forward to see him back in a Rockets uniform.
This. I am 100% a Rocket supporter but I feel after watching Capela in action in 10 or so games that this guy will never be of any importance to the Rockets or the Nba for that matter. He'll be another one of those guys who can put up decent numbers in the d league but can't cut it in the Nba.
No offense, but the kid has played 7 total minutes in the NBA. And he's only 20. Let the kid grow into his own before you declare him as nothing. I'm not saying he'll be a star, or even that he'll be good. But you've got to give him time before you come to the conclusion that he is not an NBA player. He has the size and athleticism to clearly be a relevant big in this league for years to come. He also has time to put it together, seeing as he's ONLY 20 years old. Some people are so quick to judge. He may not contribute for a year or two...but who's to say he won't be good in 3-4 years, when he's 24?
10 games and you are sure? Rockets need to hire you as one of their scouts. Have you heard of a hall of farmer named Mutombo who's contributions are mainly blocking and rebounding? Rodman, Ben Wallace, Birdman and Tyson Chandler were major contributors to their teams championships. If the clippers ever get there, Jordan would be a major contributor.
I can't remember the last time a player was assigned to the D-league and didn't put up great numbers.
These D-league highlights look terrible. 80 points at halftime? Also I have yet to see defense (except for the occasional block). That being said Capela is doing what he should and that is dominate. How well it translates in NBA games is yet to be determined, but I did not expect him to have an impact this year or the next, so he has some time left.
Reno is an abomination of a bball team. Also Vipers have only Capela(6"11) . Everyone else is <6"9. They can't defend.
I can't be the only one excited about the future possible front court pairing of DMO and Capela right? We really need to hang onto both.
