If you want to ask Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni about forward Luc Mbah a Moute, well, don’t. Not because Mbah a Moute is a subject that brings up bad memories for D’’Antoni but rather because he’s someone the Rockets mentor would like the rest of the league continue to underestimate.
Speaking to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, D’Antoni was all praises of Mbah a Moute and the qualities he brings to the table for the Rockets.
“Don't tell anybody,” D'Antoni said. “We want to keep it a secret. We want to hide it. He's the best-kept secret in the NBA. I didn't know it. We game-planned (against him) he was kind of streaky. But he's as good as anybody. He's smart. He can play big minutes. He can shoot 3s. Whatever you want him to do he does it. He's got playmaking skills. He sees the floor. I don't know how we all missed it, but we all did.”
The 31-year-old Mbah a Moute has been around the league since 2008, but he may have arrived in the league a little bit earlier, as the NBA wasn’t as hooked to 3 and D guys like him that time. In today’s NBA landscape, however, the former UCLA Bruin has found a niche and a team in the Rockets to magnify his skill set.
Mbah a Moute has been among the Rockets who are stepping up to cover for the void temporarily left by the injured Chris Paul. Mbah Moute is averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game this season while playing close to 30 minutes each outing.
For someone who is paid only $2.1 million to play one year for the Rockets, Mbah a Moute is truly playing like a steal.
Follow Us
Subscribe