The Houston Rockets drafted Clint Capela 15th overall in the 2014 NBA draft. The pick, at the time, appeared to be a draft-and-stash international prospect. However, Capela knew his value and pushed to come play in the NBA immediately.
The Rockets didn’t have a need for Capela as Dwight Howard was still patrolling the paint in Houston so, he was able to sit and soak in NBA life. He served as Howard’s backup for a year before taking over as a part-time starter in his second year. He showed promise in his second year but it still wasn’t clear if he’d be able to take off and become a top center.