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Brooklyn Nets: Luc Mbah a Moute may be a diamond in the rough

By Leo Mar

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) warms up before game seven against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) warms up before game seven against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) shoots against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) shoots against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Luc Mbah a Moute has all the characteristics of a Sean Marks signing. Is he a good fit on the Brooklyn Nets?

When speaking of the 2017 NBA free agent class all the big names come to the minds of all NBA fans. As fans of the Brooklyn Nets, our minds seem to wander a little bit more than others, like will Kevin Durant actually meet with us this time? Will the Nets be able to land a top talent such as Steph Curry? Or realistically, entertain George Hill?

As the old saying goes, “if you’re going to chase stars, you might as well live in space”.

One talented free agent who goes under everyone’s radar is a forward by the name of Luc Mbah a Moute. Some will say he’s s journeyman. Others will simply say “who”?

The former UCLA Bruin would fit nicely on coach Kenny Atkinson’s bench, and is a Marks kind of find. Mbah a Moute garnering accolades in his three years in UCLA. That included a spot on the 2008 all defensive team. A Moute got selected early in the second round by the Milwaukee bucks.

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He spent parts of his career in places like Sacramento, Minnesota, Philly and this past season with the Clippers. With all that travel it had to be hard to get coached well.

Luc seems to be type of gritty defender and tenacious rebounder that Brooklyn needs. He once spoke to ESPN to provide insight into who he is as a player:

"“When you go in against a scorer, you have to know they’re going to get points. But what you have to try to do is making them have a tough night, make them get uncomfortable so they don’t get in a rhythm. When I go into a game, I’m trying to take them out of that comfort zone. I don’t want them to ever feel like they can take over the game at any point.”"

He’s a player who used to stay after practices to play some two on two with Russell Westbrook. We already know he does have the work ethic. All he needs is a little bit of the Atkinson touch. If he can work his magic the Nets will again have uncovered a gold mine; even a player who turns 31 this year still has potential. It was never touched.

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The bottom line on every GM’s mind with the exception of Billy King is the price tag. Since he is expected to opt out of his contract. He was due for a small sum (in this salary cap climate) of $2.3 million. Being that he shutdown Gordon Hayward in the first round of this years playoffs, he may feel he’s in-line for a raise. Maybe he wants more playing time. Maybe he will hit the market and discover he’s made s huge mistake. Only time will tell.

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We have established that he’s got the heart. He possesses the physicality and tenacity on the boards. He has the defensive prowess that Brooklyn has sorely lacked these last few years. What he’s been missing is the coach.

And he’s in Brooklyn…..hopefully so is Mbah a Moute.

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