Atlanta Hawks Free Agency: Which Free Agents should the Hawks pursue?

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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 28: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets goes up against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter of Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 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. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Clint Capela
C 6’10 240 lbs Age 24
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.9 BPG
Per 36 min: 18.2 Pts, 14.2 Reb, 1.2 Ast, 2.4 blks
Shooting: FG: 65.2% 3PT: 0% FT: 56%

A very strong case can be made that Clint Capela was the best rim running, rim protector, roll man big, in the entire NBA last year. He knows how to play off superstars, having a knack for when and where to cut at the appropriate time. He maximized his role-playing with Chris Paul and NBA MVP James Harden, helping the Rockets make the Western Conference Finals. Capela was 1st in FG%, 8th in rebounding, and 2nd in the NBA in blocked shots per game.

Capela would be a major upgrade at Center for the Atlanta Hawks. He’s 4 years younger, and superior to current starting Center Dewayne Dedmon in nearly every category, besides jump shooting. However, Clint isn’t the best fit next to John Collins, as both are better rim runners than shooters.

Capela will require a max offer sheet, with provisions that make it difficult for the Rockets to want to match. Even then it’s a high probability that Houston will match such an offer, having already lost SF Trevor Ariza to the Phoenix Suns. In fact, Capella seems like the most unattainable of the Restricted Free Agents.

Verdict: The Atlanta Hawks should not make Capela their top target due to a low chance they can actually land him. However if the Hawks lose out on Smart, and Capela has yet to come to terms to the Rockets, it wouldn’t hurt to take a shot at Capela. You can never have too many quality young players.

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