Luol Deng has Proved to be Well Worth the Risk
Nov 4, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) dribbles the basketball against the Houston Rockets during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Rockets won 108-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
After playing 24,235 minutes in his 12-year career, Luol Deng was thought to be a damaged good upon his arrival in South Beach. 250 minutes later, Deng is looking like a refurbished version of his Chicago Bulls days.
After averaging a respectable 13.4 points the first four games of the season, Deng exploded in the sixth game, scoring 30 points (13-19 FG), five rebounds and four assists in a win against the Dallas Mavericks. Deng finally looked comfortable in his new role, and most of the pressure of being LeBron James’ replacement has been expunged.
Replacing James’ offensive production was Miami’s glaring need in free agency; and being able to find an adequate replacement in Deng was the best-case scenario.