Background & Early Life

Clint N’Dumba Capela was born on May 18, 1994 in Geneva, Switzerland to Angolan parents.

He developed his game at INSEP, a premier French basketball academy, before starting his pro career in 2012 with Élan Chalon in France’s top league, where he earned Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Player honors in 2014 .

NBA Career

Drafted 25th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2014, Capela initially spent time with Houston’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers .

He emerged around the 2016–17 season as the Rockets’ starting center, anchoring their pick‑and‑roll offense and elite defense under Mike D’Antoni and then Mike Budenholzer. Known for rebounding, rim protection, and finishing, he averaged a career‑high 14.3 rebounds per game in 2020–21, leading the NBA.

In 2020, Capela was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as the Rockets shifted to a “micro‑ball” lineup with fewer traditional centers.

With Atlanta (2020–2025), he continued as a defensive anchor and roll man. In 2024–25, he averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks across 21.4 minutes per game, though missed the season’s end with a sprained hand.

Return to Houston – 2025

On July 6, 2025, Capela returned to the Houston Rockets via a sign‑and‑trade, part of a historic seven‑team deal that brought Kevin Durant and Capela to Houston.

The trade included other teams such as Phoenix, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Golden State, Lakers, and Minnesota, with six veteran players, 13 draft picks, and cash exchanged.

Houston sent assets like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, David Roddy, a 2031 second‑round pick swap, and cash. Capela signed a three‑year, approximately $21.5 million fully guaranteed contract (with a 5% trade kicker). Capela adds size, rebounding, rim‑protection, and familiarity with Houston’s system. He’ll complement Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams in potential double‑big rotations.

With Durant and Dorian Finney‑Smith joining the roster, the Rockets are shaping a win-now core, blending perimeter scoring with interior defense and physicality.

Career Overview And Key Stats

Élan Chalon 2012–2014 – Pro A rising star in France

Houston Rockets (1st) 2014–2020 – Developed into a rebounding and rim‑protecting anchor

Atlanta Hawks 2020–2025 – Consistent starter; maintained elite defense

Houston Rockets (2nd) 2025–present – Returns as key center in title‑push roster

Career NBA stats (through 2024–25) – over 664 games, averaging 12.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 61.7% from the field 

Outlook for 2025–26 Season

Returning to Houston, Capela’s role is expected to be crucial in setting the tone defensively and providing finishing in pick‑and‑roll sets. His familiarity with the Rockets’ culture and frontcourt strategy positions him as a stabilizing presence alongside Durant, Şengün, Adams, and Finney‑Smith.

Capela’s journey—from Geneva to INSEP, early years in Houston, big minutes in Atlanta, and now a full-circle return to Houston—showcases a player whose strengths in rebounding, defense, and pick‑and‑roll execution remain valuable in a contending team.

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