Houston Rockets: Team inks Luc Mbah a Moute to a 1-year deal

The Houston Rockets added to their roster today by signing veteran forward Luc Mbah a Moute, who played in “Lob City” alongside Chris Paul for the past two seasons.

According to ESPN reporter Chris Haynes, the deal with the Houston Rockets is for one year and is expected to be for the veteran’s minimum which is approximately $2.12 million with his years of service:

Luc Mbah a Moute was a free agent after deciding not to sign with the Clippers, who tried to entice him to stay by giving him a $2.3 million dollar player option for next season.

Mbah a Moute was the starting forward for the Clippers last year averaging 6.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, and 22.3 minutes per game. The 30-year-old veteran posted a 50.5 percent field goal percentage during regular season play and his postseason field goal percentage was 39.5 percent.

While the stats may not wow anyone at first glance, according to CBS Sports writer Jack Maloney, Mbah a Moute earns his keep by playing stellar defense, so much that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jamal Crawford called Mbah a Moute the best perimeter defender around:

The Houston Rockets are trying to put a team together to challenge the Golden State Warriors and giving Clutch City its first NBA Championship since going back-to-back in 1994-95.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey is trying to mesh superstar talent with veteran leadership to make a third NBA championship a reality in the Bayou City.

Locking up James Harden and Chris Paul were key to steer the franchise in the correct direction. But it’ll take more than these two to get them past the juggernaut that is Golden State. That’s why they signed veterans like P.J. Tucker, and now Mbah a Moute.

I applaud this signing because Mbah a Moute isn’t just a veteran player, but he has played with Paul, so that could help Harden and Co. adjust to playing with their new teammate and his playing style.

Now we will have to wait and see what happens with Carmelo Anthony and the talks between Houston and the New York Knicks.

Next: Why the Rockets will win Carmelo Anthony

Right now, the trade talks are at a stalemate.  Hopefully, something will work out because Carmelo Anthony would be the prize piece for the Houston Rockets and make them the team to challenge the Warriors.

Go Rockets!