Nuggets Interested in Mbah a Moute
If you’ve read this blog before you know how much of a fan I am of Luc Mbah a Moute (and it is not because of his name). Well, it sounds like the Denver Nuggets share the same opinion of the former UCLA star.
Denver Post’s Benjamin Hochman is reporting that the Nuggets are courting Mbah a Moute.
"A source from around the league said Denver is making a strong push for forward Luc Mbah a Moute, a restricted free agent who played with Milwaukee last season. The 25-year-old Mbah a Moute (pronounced bah ah moo-tay) averaged 6.7 points per game and 5.3 rebounds, while showcasing a defensive dedication that would fit well with Denver coach George Karl’s philosophy."
Mbah a Moute quite possibly could be the most talked about non-Nuggets player in this blog, outside of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, obviously.
He was No. 4 on our free agent wish list, behind Arron Afflalo, Nene and Rodney Stuckey. Mostly because of his defense, which is respected, but at the same time underrated. He is a lockdown defender, who has the versatility to switch out and slow down point guards as well as go in the post and shutdown power forwards. His versatility on defense is a big reason why he is such a great fit for Karl and the Nuggets. Last season, Karl fell in love with Wilson Chandler’s versatility as well Kenyon Martin’s before that, which was why it was suggested the Nuggets should look at him after Martin jettisoned to China.
That premier defense is why Milwaukee’s coach Scott Skiles is also a fan of him and is why the Bucks said after last season they’d match any offer for Mbah a Moute. However, their stance may have lightened up, especially since they are adding Mike Dunleavy and acquired rookie Tobias Harris at the draft.
Mbah a Moute brings an Afflalo-like attitude to the game, which isn’t a coincidence since the two were teammates at UCLA.
Al Thornton, who said earlier he’d be interested in signing with the Nuggets now is more likely to sign elsewhere – despite working out with the Nuggets this past week. Josh Howard told reporters that he’d be interested in signing with whatever team Nene signs with. He spent this last season with the Washington Wizards.
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