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LA Clippers player grades for first 30 games of 2016-17 NBA season

By Tom West

Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and teammates get pumped up before the game against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and teammates get pumped up before the game against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Luc Mbah a Moute: A

Is Luc Mbah a Moute the perfect small forward that the LA Clippers have been waiting for all these years? No. But he’s a pretty damn good one at what he does. And with the way he’s started doing more offensive to be less of a liability and command a little more respect from defenses, thus helping leave more space inside for everyone else and less double teams for Blake Griffin, Luc has been a vital contributor this season.

His defense, as you’ll know if you’ve been watching this season, has been All-Defense worthy. He’s often defended the best opposing guard to lighten the load on Chris Paul, and routinely guards every position from one to four (centers on switches if need be). Luc can do so much, using his constant motor to get the most out of his strong, 6’8″ frame and long reach. Outside of DeAndre Jordan, he’s been the Clippers’ defensive MVP this season.

There’s more than that, though, which has really been the defining positive element of Luc’s season so far. His improvement offensively stands out.

While he’s still the weakness in the starting lineup, Luc has made strides to stop hurting the starting five’s spacing as much. Defenders are starting to realize that he can hit corner threes and drive past them off pump fakes better than before. He’s now at a major new career-high of 41.9 percent from three for the year, with 18 made threes so far (well past last season’s total of 13 already).

If he can keep this up and maintain that three-point threat at a reasonable level in playoff time, the Clippers will have more space to operate in against top defenses in an instant.

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