Center Clint Capela keeps himself prepared to start or come off the bench.
2nd-year center keeps himself prepared to start as Howard takes things cautiously
Long after the rest of the Rockets had headed to the locker room to get ready to travel to Sacramento, center Clint Capela worked on post moves and shot free throws by himself Thursday.
Capela might start Friday when the Rockets play the Kings at 9:30 p.m. at Sleep Train Arena. Or he might start the night after in Los Angeles when the Rockets play the Clippers.
Or he might just come off the bench both nights.
Regardless of his role each night, Capela intends to be ready.
With two big men out — forward Donatas Motiejunas is recovering from a back injury that sidelined him last year, and forward Terrence Jones is dealing with a lacerated eyelid — and starting center Dwight Howard being careful about the minutes he is playing, the Rockets have turned to Capela to be a presence in the paint.
“I just try to keep the same energy and focus that I always have, regardless of if I am starting or coming off the bench,” Capela said. “When I am playing, I want to be able to help and be what the team needs.”
So far, the 21-year-old is averaging 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 17.2 minutes per game in his second season with the Rockets (2-3).
Harrell lends hand
Helping him out in the post is rookie forward Montrezl Harrell, who is averaging 6.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13 minutes per game.
“Essentially, both of those guys are rookies,” coach Kevin McHale said. “Clint played a handful of games last year but spent most of the time in the DLeague. And Harrell is just out of college.
“They are young fellas. They are going to do just fine, but you can’t expect them to come out there and be veterans. They are both good, young players who can come out and play hard and help us win.”
Harrell wasn’t expecting this much playing time when he was drafted in the second round (32nd overall) by the Rockets in June. Like other rookies, he expected he would spend more time learning the ropes before being thrown into the mix.
“I am trying to make the most of this shot,” Harrell said. “I know that rookies don’t always get to play this much. When I get the chance, I want to play hard. I want to win. I want to learn.”
Capela has been impressed with the attitude and work ethic of his fellow 21-year-old post mate.
“He is intense in the games and in practice,” Capela said. “He is playing well both in the games and when we are working out.”
As the two young players move forward, both say it’s important to listen to the coaches and the veterans.
“During practices and games, the older guys have taken the time to tell me when I am doing something wrong or getting out of my place,” Harrell said. “That helps me grow and get better. It’s good to be around a team with players who want to help you succeed.”
Formidable opponents
The two will have their hands full in the upcoming back-to-back. The Kings should have Demarcus Cousins, who missed the last two games with a strained Achilles. He is averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds.
In Saturday’s revisiting of the second round of last year’s playoffs, the Rockets will face the Clippers’ staunch frontcourt duo of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
“It will be tough,” Capela said. “I expect a lot of rim protection from their bigs. They are great rebounders, big rebounders. They play hard. These are going to be good games for us, and I hope we can get the wins.”