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| Timofey Mosgov, at age 32, is finally a Spur. |
Timofey Mosgov is one of the last big man centers from what critics call "the old ways" of the NBA, where size ruled all and a big man didn't need to chuck shots from thirty feet out. Mosgov, the thirty-two year old, 7'0", 275lb Russian from Saint Petersburg State University, has bounced around the league as a result. The Spurs were interested in Mosgov years ago, but were unable to acquire him. The rest is now history.
Signed in 2010 by the Knicks, Timofey soon joined the Nuggets in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade. It was in Denver that the big man would have a 23 points and
29 rebounds in a winning performance over the Warriors that turned heads, showcasing his footwork in the post with shades of Pau Gasol as he splashed in mid-range jumpers and sparked the Nuggets to a road victory.
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| Mosgov never got a fair shake in LA. |
After Denver, Mosgov joined the Cavaliers before eyebrows rose again upon his signing of a 64 million, 4 year contract with the Lakers. A summer full of ill-conceived contract agreements paled in comparison to the lack of vision in Los Angeles at the time--as the Lakers are clearly improved now, with LeBron James on board and
now Anthony Davis set to wear #3 for the purple and gold--as Mosgov was inexplicably shut down after the All*Star Break that year, scapegoated by the media, then eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets with D'Angelo Russell--another breakout star turned-Warrior whom the Lakers clearly would love to have kept in retrospect. Lonzo Ball was the result of that trade, as was Brandon Ingram, yet both are also no longer with the Lakers. Such is why no one raised an eyebrow when the Lakers overhauled its front office. Mosgov, like Gasol to end his own Lakers tenure, was misused.
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| Mozgov underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last summer. |
Knee problems ensued for the seven-footer as he went to Brooklyn, soon on the move yet again. Injury rehabilitation post-surgery would mean never suiting up for the Orlando Magic, as Mosgov was waived this summer. Khimki Moscow would've likely called, were it not for R.C. Buford & Popovich beating them to it once news broke that Mosgov has recovered from surgery on schedule and has been known to be a gym rat with high work ethic, desirable traits for potential Spurs. "He's savvy, he's strong. He knows what we're asking of him, and we know he wants to just have a real opportunity to win another championship," Popovich spoke at the official press conference, citing Mosgov's participation on the Cavaliers title run.
Analysts have also mentioned that big men "age more slowly" with the Gasol brothers still roaming around, plus a recent uptick in size and defense becoming valuable team qualities in the playoffs as it appears the "three pointer craze" may be cooling down. Mosgov has no trouble dunking the ball in the pick-and-roll. "Oh, I've seen him play with D'Angelo in LA and in Brooklyn. He knows when to cut to the rim and throw one down, or pop out for the pull-up J. Y'all know about my defense. Mos ain't no slouch there, either. He had 29 rebounds one time," Dejounte Murray--fresh off signing a
5 year, 85 million extension this summer--is looking forward to having a skillful big man presence down low.
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| Noah had his moments, yet both sides will move on. |
It must be said that Mosgov is directly replacing Joakim Noah, who will
not be returning to San Antonio and may be headed
overseas. Noah was in the final two years of his own regrettable big-money contract (similar to Mosgov's situation) when the Spurs acquired his services from the Knicks. Faced with financial choices, San Antonio chose to simply let Noah move on elsewhere.
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| O'Quinn's will to win is highly valued in San Antonio. |
Kyle O'Quinn will presumably keep the backup center role, whose sparky hustle is still valued by the Spurs, as he enters the final year of his second contract, a quality role player despite zero interest of stardom, whereas Mosgov has potential.
"Kyle's great, one of our glue guys over the past three seasons. When he checks in at the scorekeeper's table, we know we're going to get his maximum effort to turn the game in our favor," Popovich spoke highly of the cheerful, low-ego O'Quinn.
Rebounds have been an issue for the Spurs over the past couple of seasons, so high expectation will fall upon Mosgov. "A lot of the time, the ball just falls into my hands, so it's great. I love to rebound," Mosgov responded to questions about his value to the team. Timofey Mozgov will wear #25 this season for the Spurs.
