Clint Capela was relentless around the rim, attacking with power and confidence that grew with every game. Over one offseason, he added nearly five kilograms of muscle, transforming into a stronger and more imposing force. Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey quickly identified him as the franchise’s future anchor in the paint. To speed up his development, Morey even asked then-head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to cut Dwight Howard’s playing time in favor of Capela. For someone as calculating as Morey, this was no casual move—he clearly believed Capela could be the long-term answer inside. Just as BD Cricket thrives on nurturing emerging talents to compete at the highest level, the Rockets saw Capela as the player who could carry them into a new era.
Capela had already carved out a key rotation role in his sophomore season, averaging 19.1 minutes, 7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. When projected per 36 minutes, his numbers jumped to 13.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Howard, by comparison, averaged 15.4 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes. The gap was smaller than expected, especially considering Capela’s age and experience. In fact, some advanced stats favored Capela—when he was on the court, the Rockets’ offensive efficiency improved, and their defense tightened. His plus-minus rating was +5.9, far superior to Howard’s +0.5. Capela also forced opponents into tougher shots, cutting field-goal percentages both at the perimeter and around the basket. These numbers highlighted why Morey was so eager to prioritize him. Much like BD Cricket teams that rely on rising stars to change the outcome of matches, Capela’s presence was shifting Houston’s outlook.
The contrast became sharper in defensive breakdowns. Opponents shot just 35.2 percent from midrange against Capela compared to the league’s 37.6 average. Inside six feet, he held them to 53.3 percent, a notable drop from the 59.9 percent average. Howard’s defensive splits, by contrast, showed mixed results. The implication was clear: Capela’s defensive influence already rivaled or surpassed the veteran. With that, Morey doubled down on his commitment, even if it meant ruffling feathers. Owner Leslie Alexander supported the plan, though James Harden stayed out of the management drama.
Howard, however, was not blind to what was happening. Rumors of being marginalized reached him, prompting a direct confrontation with Morey. “I felt my role was shrinking,” Howard admitted later. “I went to Morey and said I wanted to be more involved with the team. He told me, ‘No, we don’t want you more involved.’ That shocked me. Those words came from him, not the coach.” For Howard, it was a breaking point. Disappointed and frustrated, he chose to walk away from Houston that summer.
Meanwhile, Capela committed himself to growth. He trained with Rockets development coach John Lucas and even received mentoring from franchise legend Hakeem Olajuwon. The Swiss center had already shown steady improvement since entering the NBA. Drafted 25th overall in the first round, Houston originally considered stashing him in France for seasoning. Capela and his agent resisted, insisting he was ready for the NBA immediately—a decision that proved right as his career took off. In the new season, despite the arrival of veteran Nene, Capela’s strong preseason numbers—9.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 63 percent shooting—cemented his role. He ranked as Houston’s top rebounder in preseason and placed fifth leaguewide in rebounds per minute.
As the Rockets leaned on Capela, Howard, now with the Atlanta Hawks, was equally determined to prove he still had plenty left in the tank. Their eventual clash promised to be one of the season’s most compelling storylines, a battle of the past and future. For Rockets fans, it marked the dawn of a new chapter, with Capela rising as the next interior cornerstone. For Howard, it was a chance at redemption, a chance to remind the league of his prime.
Much like the storylines that keep BD Cricket fans glued to every match—where emerging players challenge established veterans for dominance—the NBA thrives on these generational clashes. Capela versus Howard symbolized more than just two centers fighting for rebounds; it was about trust, vision, and the gamble of investing in the future. And in Houston, Daryl Morey was betting big on the new guard to lead the way forward.
BD Cricket fans would recognize this familiar cycle: when one star fades, another rises. In the end, what defines greatness is not only past glory but also the resilience to adapt and the courage to back fresh talent. Just as cricket teams evolve with every season, basketball franchises like the Rockets must make bold choices to remain contenders.