Rockets signing analysis: Why do you still have to sign Capela when the center is crowded and give up chasing Abussele?

If the Houston Rockets' operation this summer is not at the A+ level, it is definitely against their will. The Rockets, who made the first playoffs since 2020, keenly realized that the window for the championship was open - they first obtained Kevin Durant to solve the half-time offensive problem through trade, and signed Dorian Finney-Smith to fill the 3D player vacancy left by Dillon Brooks (who was sent to the Suns as Durant's trade chip).

But the Rockets' operations shocked the league: they welcomed the main starting center Clint Capela from 2016 to 2020 with a three-year $21.5 million contract. It is important to know that the Rockets' fifth position is already full of talents: All-star Alperen Shinkin starts, Steven Adams, who is in the second spring, serves as a substitute with a new contract, and Australian center Jock Landale firmly sits in the third center.

Why sign Capela?

Although hoarding depth is by no means a bad thing, it is impossible for the Rockets to use Adams and Capela at the same time. With Shin Kyung taking the absolute start, the investment is more like "injury insurance" for Adams, who was 31 years old and had missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury. Capela played only 55 games last season and was in a state that declined. Her function was highly consistent with Adams - they were all pie-type centers who lacked space ability.

Better choice: Galshon Yabuselle

If the Rockets really want to strengthen the frontcourt, Yabuselle, who played 70 games for the 76ers last season (of which 43 starts) is the ideal candidate. Although the French forward does not have Capela's raft protection rebounding ability, he can average 1.5 three-pointers per game with a 38% shooting percentage, perfectly adapting to the Rockets' existing lineup: when Amen Thompson and Adams are on the court at the same time, Abussele's shooting can effectively alleviate offensive congestion. Its tough defense switching ability coincides with the Rockets' culture of advocating physical confrontation.

In the end, Yabussele joined the Knicks for 12 million in 2 years - the Rockets can match or even surpass this price. Perhaps the management has doubts about its stability, but after 2019-2024 overseas training, the 28-year-old Yabuselle has shown better durability and growth space than the 30-year-old Capela. This time, the Rockets may lose the excellent opportunity to improve the flexibility of the lineup.