Positional Power Rankings: 30 best power forwards in the NBA
By John Buhler
Luc Mbah a Moute
Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
While he predominantly plays small forward in normal sets, Luc Mbah a Moute has carved out a nice role as a stretch four when the Los Angeles Clippers do go small. Small forward has been a major quandary for the Clippers during the Doc Rivers era. Mbah a Moute has been a panacea for much of the Clippers problems at forward.
Most of the Clippers issues in lineup construction surround the talented, but often-injured power forward Blake Griffin. The Clippers offense can run through him at the four, but that essentially mitigates point guard Chris Paul’s overall effectiveness. While the paint is formidable with he and center DeAndre Jordan down low, it adds pressure to wing defense from small forward. Mbah a Moute has risen to occasion in this role and then some.
He can guard any variation of a forward out on the win. Don’t ask him to spend much time defending on the block, but Mbah a Moute can tread water there temporarily. If Los Angeles wants to go small, Mbah a Moute can play the stretch four with either Griffin or Jordan being at the five.
Since arriving in Los Angeles, Mbah a Moute’s value has increased significantly. The Clippers have their issues, but Mbah a Moute has been more of a lubricator than an agitator for this year’s team. If Los Angeles does decide to blow the whole thing up after another early playoff exit, all Mbah a Moute has done is with the Clippers is show the NBA world how versatile he is in the small-ball era.