The Sixer Sense
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Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Southwest Division

By Christopher Kline

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets, and Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets look on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Clint Capela, Houston Rockets

After a breakout season with the Rockets, Capela might be on the market for a max-level contract. The Rockets will likely do everything in their power to retain him given his value next to CP3 and Harden. He’s a restricted free agent, so expect him to stay.

Strengths

Capela is one of the best defensive centers in the league, especially when you consider the direction NBA offenses are trending. Centers who can’t defend in space and switch on the perimeter are hard to keep on the floor during the playoffs, especially against a team like Golden State.

That’s why Capela is so valuable. He spent minutes guarding Kevin Durant in the postseason, showcasing his versatility on the defensive end. He’s also an elite shot-blocker, using his length and athleticism to alter shots at the rim.

Offensively, Capela has found a comfortable niche as Harden and Paul’s rim-runner in Houston. Mike D’Antoni’s reliance on the pick-and-roll means Capela is often diving to the rim, where his ability to finish off lobs is exploited with regularity.

In the right role, surrounded by shooters and high-I.Q. playmakers, Capela is an above-average force on both ends. One such place is, of course, Houston.

Weaknesses

One of the biggest weaknesses in Capela’s game is his shooting. He hit just 56 percent of his free throws last season, which is something that can take him off the floor in the postseason. His skill set is limited outside of rim-running and defense, but he’ll need to at least improve his shooting from the charity stripe.

Fit

The Sixers need center depth, but paying max money to get it isn’t an option. Capela doesn’t fit the Sixers’ current plan and won’t make sense as long as Embiid is on the roster. He’s quickly becoming one of the best centers in the league, but don’t expect him anywhere near a Sixers uniform.