The Atlanta Hawks had a very different outlook on basketball last season. For one thing, their defense changed for the better and this was largely due to the tremendous play of Clint Capela. The pivot bought a whole new level of play to that end of the court.
With the exception of the Philadelphia 76ers series, for which we can give him a leave pass, Capela was rarely outplayed for the entire season. He was able to be the voice on defense which helped his perimeter players stick closer to their opponents.
If a player was able to penetrate into the paint, they were then faced with the fourth-leading shot-blocker in the entire league last season. Capela was able to average 2.0 blocks per game for the entire season. He even managed to collect an incredibly rare triple-double where he had ten blocks.
The Atlanta Hawks can get more out of Clint Capela
Capela is by no means a complete player. Some have even asked if the Hawks are capable of winning it all with him in the middle. He is certainly a throwback center in a league that values a big man with range more than a traditional big man like Capela.
Still, there are a number of benefits to having a player like Capela. On top of the blocks and the good team defense, Capela led the league in rebounding with 14.3 per game. He also was very good on the offensive end, finishing at the rim with great authority, usually on the end of a tremendous pass from Trae Young.
Now, let’s take a look at three goals for Clint Capela in the 2021-22 season.