Atlanta Hawks: 3 legends for Clint Capela to study in the offseason

Players for Atlanta Hawks pivot Clint Capela to study No. 1) Dikembe Mutombo

Who better to study for a defensive-minded pivot to study than one of the greatest defensive centers to ever play the game? Dikembe Mutombo was a formidable force against anyone who dared to enter the paint when he was on the court.

The Hall of Fame big man was an eight-time All-Star despite only averaging 9.8 points per game over his career. He led the league in rebounds twice which is impressive given the number of quality big men in the league at the time he played.

He also led the league in block three times which is impressive as well. He averaged 3.0 blocks per game eight times over his career, including two seasons where he blocked more than 4.0 shots per game. This led to Mutombo being a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, named to six All-Defensive teams, and to three All-NBA teams.

If Capela can study how Mutombo was able to be such a presence on defense then he will also improve at that end of the floor. He is four inches shorter than Mutombo but this is not an issue, it is all about the defensive instincts.