2014 NBA Draft: Clint Capela And Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Profiles

Clint Capela, Switzerland, 6-11, 222lbs, 20 years old

2013-14 Stat Line (16 France Pro A games, 10 EuroCup games): 8.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 69% field goals, 1.5 blocks, 45% free throws

Strengths: 

Capela has a 7’3″ wingspan, which allows him to grab rebounds from smaller opponents and finish above the rim. Capela is quick on his feet, especially for his size. He can dribble and drive to the basket as well as some guards can, making him a versatile threat with the ball in his hands. He has good hands and defensive awareness to block shots. Teams were afraid to take it inside against Capela in fear of a potential rejection.

Because of his quickness and length, Capela is able to defend pick-and-rolls very well, causing opponents to panic as he towers over them. He uses his elusiveness and length to battle for rebounds more than he does with his physicality. He finishes very well at the rim and averages about one shot attempt for every two minutes on the floor so he picks and chooses his offensive moments rather than forcing them. He’s a young talent still learning his craft. The dreaded word of “upside” is going to be attached to him as we get closer and closer to the draft.

Weaknesses: 

Though he’s gifted as nearly seven feet tall, Clint often spends time away from the basket, acting more as a guard than a forward. He’s also very thin, making it easy for opponents to push him around down low. He can’t create his own shot very often and relies on getting his points off of rebounding and entry passes right by the basket.

According to Jonathan Givony and Draft Express, his fundamentals are still raw, as well as is complete overall game. When the few guys that have the chance to dissect your game say that your basic fundamentals are off then that’s not exactly a great thing to take into the NBA. In the right situation he could learn a thing or two, but bad fundamentals, literally the one thing players should have if they are going pro in any sport, could be a bad sign.

Potential Landing Spot:

Capella has been jumping up and down draft boards the last few months. Most see him as a later-first, early-second round prospect but he could jump up on draft night should a team have the option to wait until he fully develops.

Team That Makes Sense:

San Antonio Spurs: Who would be better to teach Capela fundamentals than Mr. Fundamental himself, Tim Duncan? Duncan has been able teach a thing or two to a number of young, raw but talented players during his time with the Spurs and Capela could be his last little project before he retires.

Conclusion: 

A lot of teams and those who cover the draft have fallen in infatuation with Capela. However, at 20 years old, he’s going to be chosen on UPSIDE and not what he’s accomplished or can bring to the table immediately. He’s a scary physical specimen but his basketball acumen needs a lot of work. He may be a valuable draft-and-stash option but he would probably benefit more from learning the NBA style in the NBA.