Clint Capela

On June 26, 2014, Clint Capela was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Coming from Geneva, Switzerland, Capela became the highest drafted Swiss player in NBA history. Known for his defensive ability, rebounding, and athleticism, Capela joined a Rockets team that was seeking to add depth to its frontcourt. His selection marked the beginning of his professional career in the NBA.

Clint Capela made his NBA debut on November 26, 2014, playing for the Houston Rockets against the Sacramento Kings. Capela played in a limited capacity, recording no points but grabbing a rebound and a block. Despite the modest start, his debut marked the beginning of Capela's journey in the NBA, where he would go on to develop significantly over the years. His debut was the first step toward establishing himself as a valuable player in the league.

Clint Capela made his NBA playoff debut with the Houston Rockets during the 2015 NBA playoffs. On May 17, 2015, he played against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite being a rookie, Capela made a significant impact with his energetic play and defensive presence, helping the Rockets win the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals. His performance in the playoffs increased his prominence in the league.

On December 29, 2016, Clint Capela scored a career-high 31 points in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Capela's offensive breakout played a key role in the Houston Rockets' victory. His combination of scoring ability, rebounding, and shot-blocking was on full display throughout the game, showcasing his development as a dominant center in the NBA. This performance marked a significant step in Capela's career, highlighting his growing influence in the league.

In November 2017, Clint Capela was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career. Between October 30 and November 5, Capela showcased excellent performances, averaging 20.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game across several games. His contributions were pivotal to the Houston Rockets' success during the week, earning him recognition as one of the standout performers in the league at that time.

On January 29, 2018, Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets set a career-high with 23 rebounds in a game against the Phoenix Suns. Capela's performance showcased his dominance on the boards, contributing significantly to the Rockets' victory. His ability to control the paint and collect rebounds on both offense and defense was instrumental in the Rockets' strong season performance during the 2017-2018 NBA season.

On February 4, 2020, Clint Capela was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a four-team deal involving the Rockets, Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. The trade marked the end of Capela's tenure with the Rockets, where he had developed into one of the leading centers in the NBA. The Hawks aimed to boost their defensive lineup with Capela's presence in the paint, anticipating a positive impact on their team's performance.

Clint Capela clinched the NBA rebounding title for the 2020-2021 season, topping the league with an average of 14.3 rebounds per game. His achievement marked the first time in his career that he led the league in rebounds. Playing as the center for the Atlanta Hawks, Capela's outstanding rebounding ability and defensive skills were key factors in his team's successful run to the playoffs. His performance further solidified his reputation as an elite rebounder in the NBA.

During the 2021 NBA playoffs, Clint Capela played a crucial role in helping the Atlanta Hawks reach the Eastern Conference finals. On June 18, 2021, the Hawks secured a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Capela's defensive prowess and rebounding were instrumental throughout the series, leading to the Hawks' first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals since 2015. Capela's contributions were highly praised.

Clint Capela signed a two-year contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks on August 4, 2022. The extension, reportedly worth $46 million, aimed to solidify Capela's position as a key player for the Hawks. Known for his rebounding and defensive capabilities, Capela became an essential part of the Hawks' core roster. The team looked to further their success and build around Capela's strengths in the coming seasons.