Rockets' McHale says Capela and Johnson will likely spend time in D-League

The Houston Rockets might be hurting for depth on the roster, but that wont stand in the way of player development.

Case in point: Rockets head coach Kevin McHale told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that rookies Nick Johnson and Clint Capela are both likely to spend time with their developmental affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

“The Vipers have been great for us,” McHale said. “We sent guys down here. It helped them. D-Mo was down here. Terrence came down for a while. It really helps their game a lot. I like it. Like this year, will be a huge year for Clint Capela down here. That will be fantastic. Nick Johnson will be able to uses this to improve. It’s been fantastic for us."

Sending players to the D-League is nothing new for the Rockets, as they have made a habit of using the Vipers as a training ground. 

In addition to forward Terrence Jones and center Donatas Motiejunas mentioned by McHale, guards Troy Daniels, Isaiah Canaan and Patrick Beverley have also seen their share of time in the D-League.