The Mozgov Effect

"The Mozgov"

It was November 20^th, 2010- the New York Knicks vs. the Los Angeles Clippers. NBA Superstar Blake Griffin received a pass from teammate Randy Foye and what quickly followed was one of the most trademark posters to ever be made. Griffin soared high above the rim with his waist at nose level of an opposing player, and threw the ball down into the net leading to iconic pictures and videos. After that dunk, coroners were informed to rush to Los Angeles in order to confirm the death of a 7’1ft Russian, Timofey Mozgov.

Fast forward about 3 months, and trade rumors are beginning to surface with Mozgov’s name. In what was dubbed “Melodrama” at that point, Denver Nugget’s superstar Carmelo Anthony was demanding to be traded to the New York Knicks. But there was a holdup in trade talks. The Knicks were willing to offer starters Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, and Danilo Gallinari, but the Nuggets wanted one more piece: Mozzy. The Knicks eventually conceded and the Russian Hammer was traded to Denver.

Why was there such a hold up because of this one player? I have to admit: I was really confused about it at first too. Up until that point, the only real time I ever heard his name, it was in reference to the Blake Griffin poster and was always used to describe an event, “The Mozgov”. I understood he had the size, but the Nuggets had Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Chris Anderson. It seemed unnecessary to me at the time to hold up an entire blockbuster trade for one role player. But as soon as I heard him speak, I knew exactly why we had waited to get him as well.

In an interview with Maya Starks of Altitude TV, the main provider or Nuggets Basketball, Mozgov was asked several questions and replied with… well… maybe I should just give you the clip so you can understand the greatness of Timo.

It’s obvious from that interview that he has a sort of unique, “I don’t care about what anyone says or does” attitude. Some people may find that as him being stupid, not in touch with the world, or just weird; but I believe there is much more.

Mozgov relaxing. Thinking about who knows what.

Why is Mozgov’s attitude so important to all athletes? Because day in and day out, players will fail. It’s inevitable. Mozgov was put front and center in one of the most embarrassing plays of NBA history, and yet he has moved on. He doesn’t care. If Blake Griffin would’ve dunked over me like that, I’m quite positive I would STILL have nightmares of him dunking on me. But Timmy doesn’t quit. And it’s all due to his stoic Russian attitude. The pure size, slick ability, and attitude of Mozgov creates the perfect center in the NBA.

Did I just say ability? Yes I did. I honestly have not found another person in the entire country who has yet to identify Timofey as a legitimate starting center, other than me. He does have the pure ability and I will not allow anyone to convince me otherwise. I’ve seen it. He can rebound, he has soft hands, and he definitely plays hard all game long. Yes, he does occasionally lose track of where he is on the court, but he is a consistent banger in the paint and will not allow anyone to bump him around.

Unfortunately, last year he dealt with injury problems, and this year he has been hampered by injury as well. But as soon as he is healthy, I see nothing but success.

Why? Well what is it you want from your center? Solid rebounding and occasional but consistent scoring. According to his stats last season, Mozgov averaged 12.5 points, 9.4 total rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per 36 minutes on the court. I believe everyone could agree that 36 minutes is a solid amount of playtime for a starter in the NBA. His rebounds per 36 minutes were up with the likes of Roy Hibbert (10.6 rebounds per 36 minutes), DeAndre Jordan (10.9 rebounds per 36 minutes), Marc Gasol (8.8 rebounds per 36 minutes), Al Jefferson (10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes) and many other current starting centers. Mozgov also was able to score very efficiently with a .526 field goal percentage.

To add to that, Timo helped lead the Russian National Team to a Bronze Medal during the Olympics in London this past summer, averaging 12.7 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and shot .689 from the field. Many raved not only of his improving ability on the court, but also his leadership. This attitude and physique that Mozgov brings is something that not many players have, and his inability to harp on something he messed up previously is a key attribute to successful players.

So what’s my point?

Mozgov has the killer mentality and strength to start at center

I know that Mozgov is currently injured and the Nuggets have been starting Kosta Koufos at center while using JaVale McGee off the bench. This obviously does not bode well for Mozgov’s chances to start or even see significant play time when returning to form. But I believe with all my heart that this is a mistake. Koufos simply does not have the hands or sheer killer mentality that Timofey does. If there were statistics for dropped balls, times being out-muscled by much smaller players, or steals of rebounds from your own teammates, Koufos would lead the league in those categories. McGee also calls for problems starting at center for Denver. He has proven to not be strong enough to hold down the muscle centers like Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard, and isn’t smart or crafty enough to outplay the more awkward centers like Joakim Noah.

Timofey Mozgov needs to be the starting center for the Denver Nuggets. He is the only true post-up center the Nuggets have. And in a league where his type of ability and style is a dying breed, it can’t be underused. I know that realistically, Mozgov won’t get the time. And even if he does, he probably will struggle because he isn’t used to it yet. But I know that if he were to see consistent minutes without having someone breathing down his neck ready to take his job, he’d thrive. Mozgov can bring to the game something that the other Denver centers simply can’t: a low-post, sure-handed rebounding, know-your-role type of player. What can we call it? It's simple really. The Mozgov Effect.