Houston Rockets: 3 players who must step up without James Harden

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Clint Capela

James Harden and Chris Paul may be the primary engines behind Houston’s success. However, there is no player who has proven to be as vital to the Rockets this season than Clint Capela, as the pick-and-roll lob specialist has quietly become one of the game’s best centers.

The 23-year-old big man — who leads the league in field goal percentage — is averaging a career-high 14.2 points and 11 rebounds for Houston, and ranks among the top 15 or better in Player Efficiency Rating, Player Impact Estimate, and True Shooting Percentage.

"“He was kind of thrown into the fire once Dwight [Howard] left, but he took it and ran with it,” Harden said to reporters following Capela’s double-double outing in a 117-113 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 10. “He’s listened, he’s worked hard every single day in the weight room, and he just got better. Defensively, he got better. Offensively, he’s so mobile and skilled. His touch around the rim has gotten better. He just continues to work.”"

Although his lead playmaker will no longer be alongside him, Capela will continue to be a go-to option whenever Paul draws double teams at the rim. The 6’0″ point guard will look to set him up for easy lobs and reward Capela for running the floor. The Rockets will be counting heavily on the Swiss Roll to crash the boards and serve as the rim protector at the other end to help Houston’s defense get back on track.