HOUSTON -- The raw kid from Switzerland, the center with soft hands, springy legs and open ears, offered James Harden reason for optimism during the roughest year of the Houston Rockets superstar's career.
It was 2015-16, the final season of Harden's failed marriage with former All-Star center Dwight Howard. As their relationship fizzled due to differences in basketball philosophy, a major factor in a catastrophe of a 41-41 season, Harden saw potential in 21-year-old Clint Capela.
Capela's physical tools caught Harden's eye. His work ethic earned Harden's respect. His willingness to listen -- the word Harden uses most often when discussing Capela's development -- planted seeds of trust, allowing the bearded face of the franchise to believe he could help groom the project big man into an impact player who would perfectly complement his MVP-level game.