Timofey Mozgov Turns 25

The man that many have slated as the next center for the Denver Nuggets turned 25 today.

Timofey Mozgov, listed at 7-foot-1, 250-pounds, has only played 524 minutes in the NBA and there is already numerous expectations for his future.

He is athletic, versatile, smart and especially big. He showed his versatility in a preseason game against the Boston Celtics when he defended Paul Pierce the length of the court to block his shot. 

He also showed enormous potential during two starts for the New York Knicks, against the Detroit Pistons he went for 23 points and 14 rebounds and four games later against the Los Angeles Clippers he scored 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting -making up for being in Blake Griffin’s poster earlier in the season. 

He didn’t really get too much playing time after being traded to the Nuggets in February. However, he did play well when given a chance. When Chris Andersen went out with an injury, Mozgov playing 15 very important minutes in the Nuggets upset victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Back-to-back pick-and-rolls with J.R. Smith led to easy dunks (including one And-1) and the Big Russian ended the night with five points and six rebound.

When the season begins after the NBA Lockout, Mozgov is predicted to be the Nuggets starting center, even if Nene does resign with the team. Ideally what the Nuggets want to form is the biggest starting frontcourt they’ve had since the one season (1995-96) Dikembe Mutombo and Antonio McDyess started together.

Mozgov’s will have some growing pains, foul trouble and adjusting to the new role. However, if things go right the Nuggets will have a more athletic and rounded version of Marc Gasol. But they will accept anything close to Gasol.