Rockets have made their stance on Steven Adams crystal clear with Clint Capela news

The Houston Rockets had tremendous success with dual big man lineups in 2024-25. They signed Clint Capela so they could run those lines even when Steven Adams was injured, and that's never been more obvious.

"We'll still be cautious with (Steven Adams)"

- Ime Udoka

What else can the Rockets do? Adams missed the entire 2022-23 season with a knee injury. If you've been watching the NBA long enough, you know about the relationship between big men and their knees:

It's toxic.

In 2024-25, Adams played 58 games. That should be counted as an accomplishment. Adams looked compromised to start the year, but as he progressed, he returned to being the dominant physical force he's been throughout his whole career. The Rockets can't afford to risk losing him, so they have to be cautious:

But can Capela replace him?

Rockets' newest signing is up to the task

The question isn't simply "who's better between Adams and Capela". There are functionality questions to consider. Still, that feels like a solid opening query.

In 2024-25, the pair were comparable. Capela averaged 14.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per 75 possessions to Adams' 10.4 and 15. Capela had a -1.0 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) to Adams' 0.3. That's a substantial difference, but it's worth considering that Adams played 13.7 minutes per game for a contender compared to Capela's 21.4 on a mediocre Hawks team.

They're comparable in overall impact, but they are fairly different in terms of role. Capela's significant scoring advantage comes from his long-standing functionality as a lob threat. Rockets fans already know Capela can finish a pick-and-roll as well as any big man in the league - but is that going to matter on such a guard-deficient roster?

The other major offensive component to consider is screening. Adams is perhaps the best screener in the league. Capela will set strong screens in his own right - functionally, he'll be similar in this regard, if just a bit weaker.

Adams is also the superior rebounder. The difference is even more pronounced on the offensive end. Adams' 21.8 Offensive Rebounding % in 2024-25 was best in the NBA by a country mile. Capela's 15.8% mark is solid as well, but he isn't Adams in that regard.

That doesn't mean he can't sporadically replace him.

Rockets will have a new look with Capela back in town

Capela is a better defender than Adams as well. At his age, he's not the first guy that you want switching on the perimeter, but he's still a far better option than Adams. More significantly, Capela is a better rim protector.

So, the idea of using him in Adams' stead is reasonable, if suboptimal. Capela will be able to play next to Alperen Sengun. This will work, but it'll be worth keeping an eye on who gets the nod as the playoffs approach:

Even Ime Udoka isn't going to play triple big lineups (I don't think).