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Atlanta Hawks all-star Trae Young (L) high-fives Clint Capela (R) during one of their wins in the 2020-2021 NBA season. Atlanta Hawks/Twitter

KEY POINTS

  • The Hawks are fifth in the Eastern Conference entering the homestretch of the regular season
  • Clint Capela has put the league on notice with his impressive double-double averages
  • Capela is poised to set a statistical feat only Wilt Chamberlain has done before

Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Wilt Chamberlain has set an astonishing number of NBA records.

Among the late NBA great's 68 personal records are his best-known feats: The single-game scoring record (100) and single-game rebounding record (55).

The 7-foot-1 big man also totaled 23,974 rebounds in his 14-year career, proving to be an unstoppable interior force during his time on both ends of the floor.

Basketball experts agree that most of Chamberlain's records will remain untouchable, given the competitive balance of the modern-day NBA.

Which makes it even more noteworthy that Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela could be on the cusp of season averages only Chamberlain was able to tally -twice--in the past.

As of April 25, the 26-year-old big is currently norming 15.3 points and 14.7 rebounds per game on a 60.1% field goal clip.

Per StatMuse, only Chamberlain has notched at least a 14 out of 14 double-double season while shooting at least 60%.

During the 1966-67 season, Chamberlain put up mind-boggling averages of 24.1 markers, 24.2 rebounds, and 68.3% field goals for the Philadelphia Warriors franchise.

After five seasons, he did it again for the Los Angeles Lakers, recording 14.8 points, 19.4 rebounds, and 64.9% field goals

Interestingly, Capela is doing the feat while only playing 30.5 minutes per contest.

He also blocks 2.2 shots a game, enforcing his defensive will and making Hawks fans remember another shot-blocking stalwart in Dikembe Mutombo.

Even more remarkable is that the game's most dominant centers like Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal have not reached the level of efficiency Capela is doing for the current season.

At 34-27, the Hawks sit 5th in the East Conference. Understandably, the team's All-Star, Trae Young, has enjoyed most of the spotlight. But it is also time to give credit to Capela's steady and consistent play.

Not only has he been a great presence underneath the basket, but he has stayed relevant throughout his seven-year career as a high-level traditional big man.

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Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) blocks Charlotte Hornets swingman Jalen McDaniels' (6) lay-up attempt. Atlanta Hawks Twitter Account
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