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NBA: Identifying the best value signings of free agency

By Dillon Dente

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket by Stephen Curry #30 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket by Stephen Curry #30 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 25: Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles past George Hill #3 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 25: Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles past George Hill #3 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Best Value in Class Rank B: Luc Mbah a Moute

Class Rank B average: $2,271,142.43 per Win Share
Luc Mbah a Moute: $492,315.00 per Win Share

Luc Mbah a Moute’s newly signed contract with Houston should prove to be a valuable one for the Rockets. The former Clipper has always been known as a good defender and an equally limited offensive player. Perhaps the beneficiary of being on a good Clippers team, Mbah a Moute is still clearly an effective defensive presence and will be asked to do very little on offense surrounded by James Harden, Chris Paul, and perhaps another star before the season begins.

Mbah a Moute’s inability to effectively stretch the floor will seriously dampen his minutes, especially behind P.J. Tucker (another 2017 Houston value signing) and Trevor Ariza, two extremely capable offensive small forwards and two-way players. Regardless, Mbah a Moute had a defensive rating that was good for 6th best in the NBA among starting forwards, per NBA.com (at least 20 games played).

It looks like Luc Mbah a Moute won’t turn into the two-way threat that so many teams had hoped he would become, but nonetheless, the value that Mbah a Moute brings on one side of the ball outweighs his lack of scoring. When a team has the opportunity to sign a defensive weapon like Mbah a Moute to a minimum contract, it’s extremely valuable. Add Mbah a Moute to a team that doesn’t need him to produce on offense and the damage is almost completely minimized.

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