Houston Rockets: 4 players that have something to prove

2 of 5

HOUSTON, TX – MAY 14: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks on before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Clint Capela

Yes, Clint Capela took a big step forward last season and had a career year. But he still has a lot to prove next season.

Capela has put a lot of pressure on himself. He told The Athletic’s Kelly Iko that he will be an All-Star next season. He’s also working hard to expand his game, because he wants to be the best center in the NBA.

Not to mention, the Rockets signed the center to a five-year, $90 million contract over the summer. Capela is not on a bargain rookie deal anymore. He’s getting paid like one of the top centers in the league, so he has to play like it.

The incentives on Clint Capela's contract, per a league source: $1 million for reaching the Western Conference finals, $500,000 for finishing with a 30% defensive rebounding rate, and $500,000 for shooting at least 65% from the free throw line. Those are for each of the 5 seasons

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 27, 2018

For each of the five seasons in his contract, Capela will get a $1 million bonus if Houston makes the Western Conference Finals. In order for Houston to make it back to the conference finals and perhaps the NBA Finals, Capela needs to put up All-Star like numbers.

The Warriors now have five players on their team that made the All-Star game last season. Houston has two bona-fide superstars, but they don’t have that third standout guy. Clint Capela can be the third player that puts Houston over the top, and its his job to prove that next season.

Next: No. 3