The benefits of Clint Capela’s improved passing for the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks traded for Clint Capela in the 2019-20 season to help improve their defense and also to rebound the basketball. His rim protection and general defensive play have been incredible and he led the league in rebounding last season.
Capela’s offense has always consisted of putbacks on offensive rebounds and also finishing at the rim. This was usually through an alley-oop from James Harden when he was with the Houston Rockets or Trae Young with the Hawks. In fact, Capela was Young’s second favorite target for a pass in the restricted area last season, third in the entire league.
Last season Capela added some moves to his offensive arsenal on his left-hand last season, including a nice little hook shot. However, this season Capela is now also helping to create for others rather than just finishing at the rim and it is having a positive impact on the Hawks.
How the Atlanta Hawks are benefitting from Clint Capela’s passing
The Hawks are becoming even less predictable when Capela is passing the ball. In the 11 games where Capela has given out more than three assists, the Hawks have a 9-2 record. In the four games where Capela has given out four assists, the Hawks have not lost.
A perfect example of where this extra ball movement helps the Hawks was in the final period against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Capela had only made two shots all game but was one-on-one against his defender in the paint during a transition opportunity.
Instead of potentially forcing a shot past his defender, Capela saw that Kevin Huerter was unguarded in the corner. Capela executed the perfect pass, allowing Huerter to put up the open 3-ball. Huerter made the shot, but if he missed, Capela, one of the best rebounders in the league, was there to compete for the rebound. This is a high percentage play any way that you look at it.
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This leads to winning basketball and also has the impact of Capela passing himself open. Defenses cannot collapse on the pivot as they were earlier in the season because he is going to hurt you by making the right play. This is going to be crucial as the Hawks look to get back into playoff contention after the All-Star break.