1. Luc Mbah a Moute, Houston Rockets
Granted, Mbah a Moute would again be an absolute bargain on a minimum deal, as he proved last season with the Houston Rockets when signed to a one-year, $2.1 million contract.
A 6’8″, Mbah a Moute has established a reputation as one of the most effective and versatile defenders in the league. Overall, the Rockets were 4.3 points per 100 possessions better off defensively with Mbah a Moute on the floor, with his 101.2 defensive rating ranking fifth among all forwards who averaged at least 25 minutes per game last season.
With the Heat continually evolving with their position-less basketball mantra, Mbah a Moute would fit like a glove. With his ability to play both the 3 and 4 spots, this would allow head coach Erik Spoelstra to feature some devastating defensive lineups, with the likes of Justise Winslow and James Johnson also featuring similar levels of defensive versatility.
The Rockets' Luc Mbah a Moute notched an eye-opening statistic on Wednesday. #SCFacts pic.twitter.com/bJq3bBI3lf
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 23, 2017
While defense is his trademark, the 11-year veteran has made steady improvements to his proficiency at the offensive end. Over his first 399 games in the league, the native of Cameroon had just 76 total attempts from 3-point range. However over his past two season, Mbah Moute has attempted 283 while converting at a respectable 37.5 percent clip.
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If attainable, Mbah a Moute’s signature at a minimum rate would be a boon for the franchise, and would only further emphasize the importance the Heat place at the defensive end of the floor.