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Houston Rockets: 3 goals for Clint Capela in 2019-20

By Gavriel Wilkins

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 05: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets sits on the bench prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center on April 5, 2019 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 05: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets sits on the bench prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center on April 5, 2019 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets
Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/Getty Images /

3. Continue to improve on free-throw shooting

In spite of finding ways to combat through fatigue and play a career-best 33.6 minutes per game last season, Capela would demonstrate that there is still room for improvement when it comes to making strides from the charity stripe.

Capela — who shot a career-high 63.6 percent from the free-throw line in the regular season — struggled during arguably the most critical juncture of the year, shooting an abysmal 29.2 percent from the line during the Rockets thrilling six-game clash against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Western Conference semifinals.

Just months after showing signs of tremendous progress, the 6’10”, 240-pound product would shoot just 42.9 percent from the free-throw line through 11 games during Houston’s most recent playoff run.

"“I want to get to 70 [percent],” Capela recently said per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle when asked about his goals and benchmarks he aspires to reach at the free throw line. “I want to get higher than that. I think I can go above [65 percent]…I work everyday on it. I’ve been working on it forever. I just want to keep on improving.”"

Although one could easily state that the Rockets latest misfortunes do not all fall on the shoulders of the big man himself, working to develop a consistent shooting method inside the keyhole could prove to be a beneficial asset for the rising young center.

This would include hoisting up countless free throw attempts in practice and hours before game time, as continuing to do so under the direct tutelage of Houston assistant coach John Lucas could help Capela in his quest to turn the tide for good this time around.

Through six games played in January, Capela shot 78.4 percent from the free-throw line. On the way towards producing arguably his best stretch from the line before missing 15 games due to a right thumb injury, he shot 74.1 percent for the Rockets throughout ten games from Dec. 25-Jan. 13.

Free-throw improvements might not make or break Houston’s title hopes, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt its chances from one of its most crucial pieces.

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