The LA Clippers have high praise for their defensive star Luc Mbah a Moute, and Doc Rivers has even called him the NBA’s best defender right now.
Luc Mbah a Moute is a really good defender. He isn’t a big name and he’s a limited offensive player, which is the main reason why he never receives much attention or praise for what he can do. LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was right to praise Luc’s defense after the team’s 119-105 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. In fact, Doc went as far as saying that Luc is the NBA’s best defender right now.
Dan Woike of the Orange County Register reported the following comment from Doc:
"“Luc right now, there’s nobody in the league that’s a better defensive player than Luc. What he’s doing, and when you have him and D.J. together, it just makes our defense special. And the fact that he’s scoring, it’s all gravy.”"
Indeed, it is all gravy in L.A. Yet, the initial part is a bold statement. You can hardly fault Doc, though. A coach is going to praise his players and instil confidence, especially when guys are playing well.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Luc a lot. He’s a strong small forward with a 7’0″ wingspan who works hard and can guard every position from one to four. He’s alleviating pressure from Chris Paul this season by spending time guarding opposing point guards, and he’s comfortable switching onto power forwards, too. He can be used to guard the best opposing wing scorer, and is one of the better perimeter defenders in the game.
Luc does a lot, which is why the Clippers allowed 4.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor last season. This season, he’s back at it again, with opponents scoring a stingy 11.2 fewer points. He’s even 7th in the league in Defensive Box/Plus Minus (4.3).
The Clippers improved to 4th in defensive efficiency last season and are leading the league right now. A lot of thanks should go Luc’s way and he’s playing well, even chipping in more than we’re used to seeing on offense, too.
Jamal Crawford joined in at the weekend, saying that DeAndre Jordan is the best defensive big man, and Luc is the best defensive wing.
DJ best defensive big In the league, Luc best perimeter defender.. Period...
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 13, 2016
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However, does an argument really need to be made to say why Luc isn’t the NBA’s best defender?
Kawhi Leonard is, undoubtedly, the best wing defender in the world, and the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He can lockdown and abuse players like no other, and unless he’s left the league, Doc’s statement is false.
Then there are others such as All-Defensive Second Team wings Paul George and Jimmy Butler, or big men such as DPOY runner-up Draymond Green, Paul Millsap, Rudy Gobert, and Luc’s LA Clippers’ teammate DeAndre Jordan. Even another Clipper in Chris Paul, the All-Defensive First Team point guard for the last five years.
Next: Why Chris Paul is still in his prime
Luc Mbah a Moute may not be the best defender in the NBA right now, but he’s a damn good one and deserves recognition for it.