From absolute main force to the third center! The Rockets have signed 21.5 million inside, why not strengthen the outside line? Trade at the right time

The Houston Rockets signed not only Durant as a top superstar. The Rockets also signed Lakers' former player Finney Smith and Hawks' former main center Capela, and also signed free agent Okogi with basic salary. In addition, the Rockets' two-way contracts are also signed with players, and they are basically signed by the forward guards. This shows that the Rockets attach importance to defense and forward line.

But the problem now is that the Rockets' back is really not many candidates to rely on. 31-year-old Van Vreet averaged 18 points per game in the playoffs last season and performed very well, but in the regular season, he averaged only 14 points per game, and his shooting percentage also hit a new low in recent years. Shepard is a bit unreliable. Aaron Holiday is short and has average passing ability, so you can't expect Holiday and Shepard to do something in the game, old and new.

The Rockets now send Jaylen Green away, their back line needs to be strengthened, and Manager Rafael Stone did not do so. He seems to be using all his limited salary space to strengthen the front line and inside position. For example, the arrival of Finney Smith and Capela directly made the Rockets' forward and inside defensive capabilities stronger, but Manager Stone may be adding to the slightest.

In fact, the Rockets' inside players can serve as the main centers, Shin Kyung, Adams and Smith Jr. In addition to these three players, they signed Capela for 21.5 million in three years. Doesn't this seem a bit redundant? Because the Rockets' inside line is not short of manpower, players such as Amen Thompson and Ethan can play this position, and even use a two-way contract to leave the fourth center Enfalee Dante, who has been let go, are optional, but the Rockets still signed Capela at a high price.

You should know that Capela, who is 31 years old, is no longer as brave as she used to be. Although she looks stronger, Capela's speed and flexibility are basically difficult to compare with when he was the main center of the Rockets. Capela played 55 games for the Hawks last season, most of the time she was a substitute, and averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 1 block per game.

Lack of shooting ability has always been Capela's biggest problem. Although Capela can score occasionally with a small hook on the court, this is not his main attacking skill. catching the ball and eating cakes is his main scoring method. But the Rockets now lack top passers like Harden and Paul back then. Capela's role next season is basically limited to rebounding and defense.

Shin Kyung's outstanding performance in the European Championship will allow him to gain more playing time next season, and Adams who recovers from health will also occupy more playing time. Capela's playing time will obviously shrink seriously. From the Rockets' absolute main player back then to the Rockets' third center now, Capela's condition has declined severely in five years.

The Rockets' shortcomings on the back line have not been solved, so it is really better to use this money to strengthen the outside line than to sign Capela. Fortunately, Capela can be traded, he has certain strength, and he will have the opportunity to enter the rotation lineup when going to other teams, so the Rockets can trade at the right time next season. If there is any team that needs a center, the Rockets can completely exchange Capela for some defenders to strengthen their shortcomings.