Capela has appeared at the Rockets' training facility! Practicing alongside Amen and others, he could become a key player in the second half of the new season.

On August 25th Beijing time, the Rockets' official social media shared updated pictures from the team's summer training. The new recruit Capela has already arrived at the Rockets' training facility, training alongside Amen Thompson, VanVleet, Jeff Green, and others. American media outlets suggest Capela will be a key figure for the Rockets in the season's second half.

Last season, the Rockets found success using the twin towers lineup with Sengun and Adams, a strategy likely to continue next season. For this reason, they signed Capela, allowing him to return to the Rockets who originally drafted him. Rockets GM Stone mentioned in a post-practice interview that the team's need for a twin towers setup was a significant factor in making this signing happen.

Upon reflection, the logic behind this signing is quite clear. Last season, due to Adams missing many games over the previous two years, the Rockets gradually increased his playing time; even when his minutes rose later, the team still rested him for one game in back-to-back matchups.

Although Adams completed all games last season, the Rockets will likely remain cautious in managing the veteran center’s minutes this season—this is precisely where Capela’s value comes in, especially in the latter part of the season.

The reason behind this is that before January, the Rockets only face one set of back-to-back games; however, from January until the regular season ends, they will encounter 13 sets of back-to-back schedules.While the Rockets’ coaching staff has not explicitly stated that Adams will miss some games, one of the main reasons for signing Capela is to provide Adams with ample rest, and also to give Sengun opportunities to rest.

Last season, although the Rockets had three centers on the roster, Randall was used far less frequently compared to the planned usage of Capela this season. Early in the season, we might see Capela replacing Adams on the court—this move aims to ensure all three centers get as much rest as possible to be in peak condition for the playoffs.

U.S. media have stated that regardless of how the Rockets ultimately deploy Capela this season, one thing is certain:They will have the best center rotation across the entire NBA.