2. He provides much-needed help on the defensive end
Clint Capela is simply one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. In the 39 games he played this season Capela averaged 1.8 blocks per game (9th in the league per NBA.com). This should help the Hawks tremendously considering the Hawks are 28th in the NBA in defensive rating, according to NBA.com. Just the presence of Capela in the paint will help this abysmal Hawks defense and will, at the very least, increase their defensive rating.
Not only will Capela help in terms of shying guys away from attacking the rim but he will also help by finishing defensive possessions by grabbing the rebound. Rebounding is an often overlooked attribute in the NBA today, however, it is still incredibly important. Defense doesn’t stop until your team has the defensive rebound and if you have a tough time getting them, the other team will continue to get second, third and even fourth chance points.
Clint Capela is averaging 9.5 defensive rebounds per game this season which is fifth in the NBA. And the Hawks are tied for the second-worst defensive rebounding percentage in the entire NBA at 70.8 percent, according to NBA.com. The addition of Capela just makes so much sense on the defensive end of the floor for this Atlanta Hawks team. With Trae Young and John Collins handling the offensive responsibilities and Clint Capela taking care of business on defense, the Hawks will be a tough matchup for any team next season.