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Basketball Biography

Clint Capela

“Clint”

Swiss · Geneva, Switzerland · Born 18 May 1994

Center
25th (2014)
draft pick
14.3
r p g (best)
Swiss
nationality
Houston, Atlanta
teams

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Elite Swiss center whose rebounding dominance and pick-and-roll finishing have made him one of the NBA's most consistent big men for nearly a decade.

Clint Capela was born in Geneva, Switzerland on 18 May 1994. An athletically elite center with extraordinary rebounding instincts, excellent lob-catching and elite interior defence, Capela has been one of the NBA's most productive big men since being drafted 25th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2014. He formed a devastating pick-and-roll partnership with James Harden in Houston, finishing alley-oops at a league-leading rate. He moved to Atlanta Hawks in 2020, where he continued his rebounding dominance, leading the NBA in total rebounds multiple times. His offensive game is limited to the painted area but his efficiency there and his defensive impact make him a highly valued starting center. He is by far the most successful Swiss player in NBA history.

Famous For

Elite rebounding and rim protection as NBA center

Playing Style

How They Played

Athletic rim-running center with elite rebounding and shot-blocking

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Premier defensive center and rebounding specialist in modern NBA

Best Known For

NBA rebounding champion multiple seasons

He has led the NBA in total rebounds multiple times and formed one of the most effective pick-and-roll partnerships in recent history with James Harden in Houston, making him the most decorated Swiss player in NBA history.

Did You Know?
Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • NBA rebounding champion multiple seasons
  • Atlanta Hawks cornerstone
  • Switzerland basketball ambassador
Career Journey

Timeline

2014 📌 NBA Draft 25th pick by Houston Rockets
2017 🎯 Became regular starter for Rockets
2018 🎯 NBA Western Conference Finals with Rockets
2019 🏆 NBA rebounding leader (14.6 RPG)
2020 📌 Traded to Atlanta Hawks
2021 🎯 Eastern Conference Finals with Hawks
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Clint Capela

His elite rebounding — he has led the NBA in total rebounds multiple times — and his superb lob-catching as the pick-and-roll partner for offensive stars like James Harden.

None — he is by a significant margin the most successful Swiss-born player in NBA history.

Clint Capela was born on 18 May 1994 in Geneva, Switzerland.

His pick-and-roll partnership with James Harden in Houston, where their chemistry was one of the most productive two-man games in the league.

Not yet, but he has been a consistent contributor to playoff-level teams at both Houston and Atlanta.

Career Timeline — Clint Capela
2014
NBA Draft 25th pick by Houston Rockets
2017
Became regular starter for Rockets
2018
NBA Western Conference Finals with Rockets
2019
NBA rebounding leader (14.6 RPG)
2020
Traded to Atlanta Hawks
2021
Eastern Conference Finals with Hawks
NBA rebounding champion multiple seasons
Atlanta Hawks cornerstone
Switzerland basketball ambassador