Last season, Houston Rockets young big man Clint Capela quietly cemented his place as the Rockets center of the future. While Dwight Howard was seemingly already on his way out midway through the season, Capela was doing some work and turning heads.
Now he’s not going to marvel you with his ball handling, jumpshot or even his post moves but he does a few things well. He rebounds, blocks shots and rim runs, primarily off James Harden pick-n-rolls heavily contributing to the Beard’s triple-double totals. The 22-year-old was making the most out of his new role this season with Houston, starting every game so far and performing above expectations on a Rockets team that was looking to surprise many.
Unfortunately for Clint, he will be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a broken fibula in the Rockets recent victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following from Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela has been diagnosed with a fractured left fibula and could be out as long as six weeks.
However, Capela said he hopes to return before that.
“I will be okay,” Capela said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. “It happens.
“So now I’m just focused on the treatment, rehab stuff. I think I can be back pretty soon. The doctor, he said like a month, and then after that it depends on how I am dealing with the pain. I’m just focused on trying to reduce the pain as much as I can. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be less than six weeks.”
Capela suffered the injury Saturday in the Rockets’ win over Minnesota.
“They told me it was really a little chip,” Capela said. “Nothing really bad.
“Of course it’s tough, but I’m trying to be positive about it. I’m just going to try to work on my body to try to come back stronger. I’m saying to myself it will be fine, and just keep working hard and listen to what the doctors tell me to do. I just hope to be back as soon as possible.”
Capela is averaging 11.8 points and eight rebounds while starting in all 28 of the Rockets games this season.
Expect new signee Nene to fill in the role of center while Capela misses time. He’s played the second most minutes at the center position and maybe head coach Mike D’Antoni gets creative and throws Montrezl Harrell in there for some small ball minutes.
Either way, this is a pretty significant loss. For Capela, he’s been off to a great start, and it seemed like the Most Improved Player award was his to lose.
