NBA: Top 10 interior defenders so far this season

#8 Clint Capela - Houston Rockets

Capela contests a

drive by

LeBron James

Capela is one of the most fleet-footed centers to ever play the game. While his raw athleticism allows him to convert lobs from James Harden and CP3 into dunks galore at the rim, it also helps him to guard opponent post players effectively.

He boasts the highest defensive rating among frontcourt players on a Rockets team ranked 10th on defense. In addition, he is a legitimate shot-blocking threat and averages a staggering 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes. His vertical presence makes opponent drivers into the paint alter their shots significantly.

The fleet-footed nature of his movement allows him to handle switches onto opponent perimeter players much more effectively than the average big man. There's a reason why the Houston Rockets have lost just 2 games all season when Capela, Chris Paul and James Harden are all playing together.