Mbah a Moute back for a second stint
LAS VEGAS — Luc Mbah a Moute has agreed to a one-year, $4.3-million deal to return to the Clippers, according to NBA officials who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Before playing for the Houston Rockets last season, Mbah a Moute spent the previous two seasons with the Clippers.
He’s a versatile forward whom the Clippers wanted back because of his competitiveness and tough style of play.
The Clippers also announced that they had resigned guard Avery Bradley and signed forward Mike Scott.
Bradley is due to make $25 million over two years. Scott signed a one-year deal.
The Clippers have 17 players signed to their roster, but only 14 have guaranteed contracts.
Clippers restricted free agent Montrezl Harrell remains unsigned.
Rookie improves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s unwavering self-assurance is such that the Clippers rookie always maintains his swag.
After his play in the NBA Summer League improved dramatically from his debut Friday night to his second game, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked how much his confidence had grown because of his success Sunday night against the Sacramento Kings.
“I’m confident regardless,” he said. “I got drafted 11th so some people must think I can play in this league.
“But, yeah, I’m comfortable and confident in these situations.”
He smiled after mentioning how the Charlotte Hornets made him the 11th pick in the draft before trading him to the Clippers on the night of the draft last month.
He had looked far more aggressive in his second professional basketball game, attacking with awareness.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who played at Kentucky, had 21 points and eight rebounds against the Kings.
Against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, he had 13 points and two rebounds.
He made eight of 16 shots against the Kings, five of 19 against the Warriors.
He made one of three three-point shots against the Kings, one of five against the Warriors.
He made four of six free throws against the Kings, two of two against the Warriors. “That’s just something that I try to do, put defenses on their heels more,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who made 12 of 21 shots, one of two free throws and scored 25 points in the Clippers’ 10490 loss to the Rockets on Monday night at Thomas & Mack Center. “It’s like we’re better when myself and Jawun [Evans] get in the paint and make plays for everybody else, keep the defense on their heels.”
Gilgeous-Alexander even was able to take on contact and finish plays better against the Kings than he had against the Warriors.
He didn’t shy away from the hits his body took, holding his ground most of the time.
“I’m just getting used to the playing style and physicality,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “The more I go, the more comfortable I get.”
Etc.
Evans didn’t play against the Rockets because of a sore left knee and is questionable for games going forward.