Atlanta Hawks: Clint Capela shows that he is a true force – grades

Atlanta Hawks contract and season grades for Clint Capela

Contract Grade

Capela came over in his second year of his five-year, $90 million contract. This season was the middle of that deal worth $16.0 million, which, for the production the Hawks received was really good value. With two years left on his deal, Capela could continue to be the pivot for the Hawks or an interesting trade piece.

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Last season this contract was not an issue moving forward, the Hawks were losing and there was no cap pressure. However, as they have now added Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari on long-term deals and need to sign John Collins as well as extending both Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, the Hawks face salary cap pressure with a replaceable skill-set.

Contract grade: B

Season Grade

Capela had a brilliant regular season, he and Trae Young developed great chemistry on the court. Towards the end of the season, Capela even developed offensive chemistry with John Collins, who was looking to get Capela involved with an alley-oop play regularly.

His defense changed the way that teams played against the Hawks. They no longer could get easy buckets during the regular season, leading to the Hawks success. He was outplayed in the playoffs by Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading to the question being asked, can the Hawks win it all with Capela in the middle.

Contract grade: A-