Clint N’Dumba Capela Bio
Clint N’Dumba Capela (born May 18, 1994) is a Swiss professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, he was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Rockets. He is the highest-earning team athlete in Switzerland’s history. Capela began his professional career in 2012 with Élan Chalon of the LNB Pro A, where he played for two seasons and was honored as both the Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Player before declaring for the NBA draft in 2014. His breakout season came in 2016–17 with the Rockets, as he saw a substantial increase in his role as a center and a key defensive player. He achieved the league’s highest field goal percentage during the 2017–18 season, and his 62.1% career field goal accuracy is the fourth highest in NBA history. He has remained among the top players in rebounds and blocks, leading the NBA in rebounding during the 2020–21 season as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. He has represented the Swiss national team.
Early Life and Background
Clint N’Dumba Capela was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to an Angolan father and a Congolese mother. His parents separated shortly after his birth, leaving his mother to raise him and his brothers alone. As a child, Capela initially showed an interest in soccer. However, due to his height of 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) at the age of 13, his brother suggested he switch to basketball. After meeting Swiss basketball icon Thabo Sefolosha, Capela became increasingly fascinated with the sport. At the age of 15, he was spotted at the European Junior Championships with the Swiss team and subsequently joined the Chalon-sur-Saône training center, INSEP, in France.
Path to Basketball
Capela’s journey into professional basketball began when he joined the senior Élan Chalon team of the LNB Pro A in 2012. During his time in France, he made a significant impact, earning accolades such as the Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Player in 2014. His performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his declaration for the NBA draft later that year. This transition marked the beginning of his professional career in the NBA, where he was drafted by the Houston Rockets.
Clint N’Dumba Capela Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Clint Capela’s early career began in France with Élan Chalon, where he played from 2012 to 2014. He made a name for himself in the LNB Pro A, showcasing his potential as a talented young player. His notable achievements during this period included being named the Best Young Player and Most Improved Player of the 2013–14 LNB Pro A season.
Breakthrough (2014–2020)
Capela’s breakthrough in the NBA came after he was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He signed with the Rockets on July 25, 2014, and made his NBA debut shortly thereafter. In his rookie season, he had multiple assignments with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League. Capela’s first notable performance came on March 30, 2015, when he scored his first NBA points, finishing the game with eight points and nine rebounds. His second season saw him record his first career double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Sacramento Kings. By the 2016–17 season, Capela had solidified his role as a key player for the Rockets, achieving a career-high 17 rebounds in a game against Sacramento.
Notable Works and Milestones
Capela’s signature work includes leading the NBA in rebounding during the 2020–21 season while playing for the Atlanta Hawks. He was also recognized as a runner-up for the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2017–18, averaging career highs of 13.9 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Clint N’Dumba Capela Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Clint Capela has received several nominations, including recognition for his performance as a young player in the LNB Pro A and his significant contributions to the NBA.
Clint N’Dumba Capela Awards Won
Clint Capela has won multiple awards during his career, including the NBA rebounding leader title in 2021, the NBA D-League All-Defensive First Team in 2015, and both the Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Player awards in 2014.
Clint N’Dumba Capela Family
Information about Clint Capela’s family is limited, as he has chosen to keep his personal life private.
Personal Life
Clint Capela’s personal life details are not extensively documented, but he is known to have a strong connection to his Swiss roots and has represented the Swiss national basketball team in international competitions.
