Capela returns to the Rockets to assist Shinkyung and Adams, but unfortunately Harden is no longer here

According to US media reports, the Rockets signed the former Hawks center Capela with a three-year contract of 21.5 million, with the contract being fully guaranteed.

Capela, who is already 31 years old, has played for the Hawks for the past five years, but his position has gradually been replaced by young man Okonggu and he has no playing time.

So the question is, why did the Rockets sign Capela, who can no longer play the ball? There may be several reasons.

The first reason is that there is still oil in Capela's fuel tank.

In the 2024-25 season, Capela averaged 21.4 minutes per game, scored 8.9 points and grabbed 8.5 rebounds, including 3.2 frontcourt rebounds. It can be seen that Capela's ability to grab rebounds is still very good! This may be the main reason why the Rockets are interested in him. Although Capela has poor independent offensive ability, his ability to eat cakes is still there. The Rockets' Van Jordan, Durant and others have certain passing abilities. Even if they can't let Capela become the original cake king, they can still feed him the cake.

Capela can be used as a substitute for Shin Kyung and Adams in the Rockets. He shouldn't have much playing time, but he can be kept as a backup. When Shinkyung or Adams is injured, Capela can take it.

The second reason is to prevent Western competitors from getting Capela. Everyone knows that the Lakers and Warriors are currently in short supply. They have been looking for a suitable center in the market, and Capela has also entered their horizon.

The Lakers have been looking for centers that can be eaten, and Capela is this type of center. The Lakers have three passers-goal masters, James, Doncic and Reeves. If Capela goes to the Lakers, she will get a very good opportunity.

The Warriors just lost veteran Rooney, and they are also looking for a center to replace Rooney. But now neither the Lakers nor the Warriors have a chance to get Capela. Even if the Rockets don't use Capela, they don't let their competitors get Capela, which is a successful signing. After all, Capela still has certain abilities! Moreover, he is an old Rockets player, and even if the Rockets are raised for nothing, he is willing to do so. Is this the reason?