In the 24-25 season, Shen Jing played 76 times, including 10+ assists in single games against the Timberwolves, Bulls, Nuggets, and Clippers, and 9 assists in single games against the Jazz, Celtics, and Thunder.
In fact, Shen Jing had 25 games with at least 5 assists, averaging 4.9 assists per game. His assists per game alone ranked third among big men, behind only Jokic and Sabonis. Considering his 22-year-old age, Shen Jing has great potential to become a new generation of versatile big men.
Shen Jing also brought his versatile skills to the EuroBasket.
In the knockout round match against Sweden, Shen Jing set another record with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists. According to the NBA China website, Shen Jing became the second player in nearly 30 years to do so in a single game at the EuroBasket. It's worth noting that the only player who previously achieved this feat was Polish player Ponitzka in 2022.
He's in hot form and showing dominance. Barring any injuries, he'll likely be an All-Star again this season, following the 2023-24 season.
For the Rockets, the acquisition of Durant, coupled with Shin Kyung's steady growth, provides another layer of security in their championship hopes.
In fact, just looking at the interior, the Rockets' summer signing of Jabari Smith Jr. for five years and $125 million, a three-year, $39 million extension for Adams, and the three-year, $21 million sign-and-trade for Capela, coupled with Shin Kyung's steady growth, can be considered a blessing in disguise. My point is, we can field different lineups based on the opponent's specific needs.
Of course, I think Capela, the $21 million player, will likely be a spectator this season.
First, barring any injuries, Shin Kyung's playing time will not be less than 32 minutes this season. To be precise, players with both immediate impact and potential are the core and foundation of a team. Shin Kyung taking up the lion's share of the minutes is one reason why.
Second, in the 2024-25 season, the Rockets had a net score of 9.4 points per 100 possessions when Adams was on the court, and 3.3 when he was off. This 6.1-point difference clearly reflects Adams' importance. This is one reason. Second, Adams and the team have already developed excellent chemistry. Therefore, it will be difficult for Capela to compete with Adams. Adams is the second reason why he can't compete.
Third, the Rockets could emulate the Timberwolves and Cavaliers' twin-tower style. However, with Shin Kyung locked up at the five, the four position will likely be occupied by Jabari Smith Jr., who just fully renewed his contract this summer. He has played 6,591 minutes in his NBA career, 79% of which at the four. In other words, even if Capela were to move down to the four, he wouldn't be able to compete with Smith. After all, there's no reason for the team not to reuse him after signing him to a contract exceeding $100 million.
In summary, Capela's decline to spectatorship can be understood as follows:
First, he has no competitive advantage over Shin Kyung, Adams, or Jabari Smith Jr. What this brings is more than just opportunities to shine, only when the team's interior is plagued by injuries.
Looking back now, Capela's move to the Rockets was a misstep. More accurately, the competitive pressure was too great, and without his own advantages, the opportunity to shine was limited. But the upside is that he'll receive $21 million over the next three years, a substantial contract before retirement.
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