NBA Draft: Re-drafting the 2008 NBA Draft’s first round
By Zach Wilson
#22 Pick – Orlando Magic: Luc Mbah a Moute (Originally: Courtney Lee)
After initially being selected in the second round, Luc Mbah a Moute was a highly sought after player due to his stellar defensive play and solid 3-point a shot. A highly valued skillset among wings.
He bounced around a decent amount, playing for six different clubs, including two separate stints with the Clippers.
Once wing-play became extremely strong with players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, guys like Mbah a Moute became the cream of the crop when it came to mid-level free agents. Even though he was never a fantastic scorer or playmaker, he could defend big wings and was very switchable, a trait thought of highly.
The most points per game he ever averaged was 9.9 in 2014-2015. Only shooting 33.5 percent from three for his career, it was his defensive play which kept him in the league for 11 seasons.
Mbah a Moute’s long career is good enough for the 22nd pick. He may even be looked at as a better player than some drafted above him in this re-draft. In a vacuum, his overall skill set just isn’t strong enough to raise him higher