Timofey Pavlovich Mozgov (Russian: Тимофей Павлович Мозгов, IPA: [tʲɪmɐˈfʲej mɐˈzɡof], born July 16, 1986) is a Russian professional basketball player for Runa Basket Moscow of the Russian Basketball Super League 1. Mozgov won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, becoming one of the first Russians to do so, alongside Sasha Kaun. As a member of the Russian national team, he won the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2011. Mozgov signed with the Lakers in 2016 before being traded to the Nets in the 2017 offseason. In the 2018 offseason, he was traded to the Magic before returning to Khimki in 2019.
.jpg) Mozgov with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 25 – Runa Basket Moscow | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Center | ||||||||||||||||||||
| League | Russian Basketball Super League 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | July 16, 1986 Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | Russian | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 275 lb (125 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||
| NBA draft | 2008: undrafted | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing career | 2004–present | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2006 | LenVo St. Petersburg | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | CSK VVS Samara | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006–2010 | Khimki | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2011 | New York Knicks | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011–2015 | Denver Nuggets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | Khimki | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016–2017 | Los Angeles Lakers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Brooklyn Nets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019–2021 | Khimki | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021–present | Runa Basket Moscow | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stats at NBA.com | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |||||||||||||||||||||
Medals
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Professional career
LenVo St. Petersburg (2004–2006)
Mozgov began his professional career with LenVo St. Petersburg, in the Russian second-tier division, during the 2004–05 season.
Samara (2006)
In 2006, Mozgov moved to CSK VVS Samara 2, the second-level club from Samara.
Khimki (2006–2010)
Before the 2006–07 season, Mozgov joined Khimki Moscow Region, where he played through the 2009–10 season.[citation needed]
New York Knicks (2010–2011)
In 2010, Mozgov signed a three-year, $9.7 million contract with the New York Knicks.[1]
On January 30, 2011, after a three-week stint on the bench, Mozgov finally saw significant minutes against the Detroit Pistons, scoring 23 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 124–106 victory. He played 40 minutes and was treated to loud chants of "Mozgov! Mozgov!" in the final minute. [2]
Denver Nuggets (2011)
On February 22, 2011, Mozgov was traded to the Nuggets in a three-way blockbuster deal, which also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves that brought Carmelo Anthony to New York.[3]
Return to Khimki (2011)
On July 21, 2011, Mozgov joined Khimki Moscow Region for the second time[4] during the 2011 NBA lockout.[5]
Return to Denver (2011–2015)
On January 21, 2012, Mozgov scored a season high 16 points in a double overtime 119-114 win against his former team, the Knicks.[6]
On July 27, 2013, Mozgov re-signed with the Nuggets.[7]
On January 17, 2014, Mozgov recorded a career high 5 blocks, alongside scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, in a 117-109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[8] On April 10, 2014, he recorded career highs in points and rebounds with 93 and 29, respectively, in a 100–99 win over the Golden State Warriors.[9]
Cleveland Cavaliers (2015–2016)
On January 7, 2015, Mozgov was traded, along with a 2015 second-round pick, to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for two protected 2015 first-round picks (via Oklahoma City and Memphis).[10] Having always previously worn number 25, he was forced to change that upon joining the Cavaliers due to the franchise having the number retired for Mark Price. He instead chose number 20 as it was the number his father, a Soviet handball player, used while he played the sport.[11] On January 9, he made his debut for the Cavaliers, recording nine points and eight rebounds off the bench in a 112–94 loss to Golden State.[12]
On June 4, 2015, he became the first Russian to play in the NBA Finals, as the Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the series to the Warriors.[13] The Cavaliers went on to lose the series in six games; Mozgov started all six.[14]
On June 23, 2015, Cleveland exercised its option on Mozgov's contract for the 2015–16 season.[15] He played a reduced role throughout the season, as the Cavaliers made it to the 2016 NBA Finals, where they defeated the Warriors in a rematch. Mozgov and teammate Sasha Kaun became the first Russians to win an NBA title.[16]
Los Angeles Lakers (2016–2017)
On July 8, 2016, Mozgov signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.[17][18] The Lakers received "league-wide criticism" for the size of Mozgov's contract.[19] The contract has been described as "huge",[20][21] "dreadful",[22] and "indefensible".[23]
Mozgov made his debut for the Lakers in their season opener on October 26, 2016, recording 12 points and eight rebounds in a 120–114 win over the Houston Rockets.[24] On March 14, 2017, the Lakers shut down a healthy Mozgov for the rest of the season to give the majority of playing time over the final 15 games to the team's younger players.[25][26]
Brooklyn Nets (2017–2018)
On June 22, 2017, Mozgov was traded, along with D'Angelo Russell, to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Brook Lopez and the rights to Kyle Kuzma, the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA draft.[27]
On July 6, 2018, Mozgov was traded, along with the draft rights to Hamidou Diallo, a 2021 second-round draft pick, and cash considerations, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dwight Howard.[28] A day later, he was traded again, this time to the Orlando Magic in a three-team deal.[29]
On July 6, 2019, Mozgov was waived by the Magic without having played a game, due to a knee injury.[30] On November 28, 2019, the NBA approved the Magic's petition to have Mozgov's salary removed from their books due to the knee injury. [31]
Third stint with Khimki (2019–2021)
On July 31, 2019, Mozgov signed a one-year deal to return to his home country and play once again for Khimki of the VTB United League and the EuroLeague.[32] However, he did not play in the 2019–20 season due to his knee injury.
On April 12, 2021, Mozgov played in his first professional game since 2018, logging six points, six rebounds, and one assist in a 89–83 win over Enisey.[33]
Runa (2021–present)
On December 23, 2021, Mozgov signed with Runa Basket Moscow of the Russian Basketball Super League 1.[34]
National team career
Mozgov has also been a member of the senior Russian national basketball team. He played at EuroBasket 2009, EuroBasket 2011, and the 2012 Summer Olympics, winning bronze medals at the latter two.[35]
Career statistics
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| † | Won an NBA championship |
NBA
Regular season
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | New York | 34 | 14 | 13.5 | .464 | .000 | .705 | 3.1 | .4 | .4 | .7 | 4.0 |
| 2010–11 | Denver | 11 | 0 | 6.0 | .524 | .000 | .750 | 1.5 | .0 | .1 | .2 | 2.5 |
| 2011–12 | Denver | 44 | 35 | 15.6 | .526 | .000 | .684 | 4.1 | .5 | .3 | 1.0 | 5.4 |
| 2012–13 | Denver | 41 | 1 | 8.9 | .506 | .000 | .769 | 2.6 | .2 | .1 | .4 | 2.6 |
| 2013–14 | Denver | 82 | 30 | 21.6 | .523 | .167 | .754 | 6.4 | .8 | .3 | 1.2 | 9.4 |
| 2014–15 | Denver | 35 | 35 | 25.6 | .504 | .333 | .733 | 7.8 | .5 | .4 | 1.2 | 8.5 |
| 2014–15 | Cleveland | 46 | 45 | 25.0 | .590 | .000 | .708 | 6.9 | .8 | .4 | 1.2 | 10.6 |
| 2015–16† | Cleveland | 76 | 48 | 17.4 | .565 | .143 | .716 | 4.4 | .4 | .3 | .8 | 6.3 |
| 2016–17 | L.A. Lakers | 54 | 52 | 20.4 | .515 | .000 | .808 | 4.9 | .8 | .3 | .6 | 7.4 |
| 2017–18 | Brooklyn | 31 | 13 | 11.6 | .559 | .222 | .767 | 3.2 | .4 | .2 | .4 | 4.2 |
| Career | 454 | 273 | 18.0 | .535 | .190 | .738 | 4.9 | .6 | .3 | .8 | 6.8 | |
Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Denver | 7 | 5 | 14.1 | .480 | .000 | .500 | 3.3 | .4 | .3 | .9 | 4.0 |
| 2015 | Cleveland | 20 | 20 | 26.5 | .500 | .000 | .790 | 7.3 | 0.9 | .4 | 1.8 | 10.6 |
| 2016† | Cleveland | 13 | 0 | 5.8 | .400 | .000 | .750 | 1.6 | 0.2 | .2 | 0.2 | 1.2 |
| Career | 40 | 25 | 17.6 | .589 | .000 | .763 | 4.8 | 3.5 | .3 | 1.1 | 6.4 | |
See also
References
- ^ Berman, Marc (July 11, 2010). "Knicks spy Russian". New York Post. Retrieved February 7, 2011.
- ^ "Pistons vs. Knicks - Game Recap - January 30, 2011 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
- ^ "Nuggets acquire five players, three picks in three-team trade". NBA.com. February 22, 2011. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
- ^ "Khimki brings back Mozgov, adds Quinn". EuroLeague.net. July 21, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ "Report: Mozgov to sign with Russian team". Archived from the original on October 16, 2012.
- ^ "Nuggets defeat Melo, Knicks in double-overtime thriller". Denverpost.com. January 21, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ "Denver Nuggets Re-Sign Center Timofey Mozgov". Denver Nuggets.
- ^ "Cavaliers vs. Nuggets - Box Score - January 17, 2014". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ "Notebook: Nuggets 100, Warriors 99". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 10, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
- ^ "Cavs Acquire Timofey Mozgov". NBA.com. January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ Fedor, Chris (January 10, 2015). "With No. 25 retired, Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov will wear No. 20". cleveland.com.
- ^ "Cavaliers at Warriors". NBA.com.
- ^ "Cavaliers at Warriors". NBA.com.
- ^ Exner, Rich (June 16, 2015). "Cleveland Cavaliers plus-6 with Timofey Mozgov in NBA Finals; minus 41 vs. Golden State Warriors without him". cleveland.com.
- ^ "Cavaliers Exercise 2015-16 Option on Center Timofey Mozgov". Cleveland Cavaliers.
- ^ "Russian players win NBA title for first time". Rbth.com. June 20, 2016.
- ^ "Lakers Sign Timofey Mozgov". Los Angeles Lakers.
- ^ "Source: Lakers, Mozgov agree on 4 years, $64M". ESPN.com. July 1, 2016.
- ^ "Lakers' Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov mindful of criticism about their play, contracts". March 6, 2017.
- ^ Wells, Adam. "Lakers Rumors: Timofey Mozgov Reportedly Shut Down to Give Young Players Minutes". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "Lakers Acquire Brook Lopez For Russell, Mozgov". Hoops Rumors.
- ^ Jun 30, Christopher Lavinio/FanSided via Hoops Habit Fansided; ET, 2017 at 10:28p (June 28, 2017). "Timofey Mozgov: The good, the bad and the ugly". FOX Sports.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Buckley, Zach. "The 5 Worst NBA Contracts from the Last 5 Years". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "Young Lakers roar past Rockets 120-114 to win Walton's debut". ESPN.com. October 26, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Lakers shut down healthy Timofey Mozgov for remainder of season". ESPN.com. March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 15, 2017.
- ^ Shelburne, Ramona (March 15, 2017). "Sources: Healthy Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov agree to sit out rest of Lakers' season". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 15, 2017.
- ^ "BROOKLYN NETS ACQUIRE D'ANGELO RUSSELL AND TIMOFEY MOZGOV FROM L.A. LAKERS". NBA.com. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- ^ "Hornets Acquire Mozgov, Two Second-Round Draft Picks From Nets". NBA.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
- ^ Denton, John (July 8, 2018). "Magic Acquire Jerian Grant and Timofey Mozgov in Three-Team Trade". NBA.com. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
...the Orlando Magic acquired point guard Jerian Grant and reserve center Timofey Mozgov on Saturday night.
- ^ "The Orlando Magic have waived center Timofey Mozgov, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Mozgov did not play in any games with Orlando last season due to a knee injury". Orlando Magic PR on Twitter. July 6, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
- ^ "Magic Granted Salary Cap Relief For Timofey Mozgov". Slamonline.com. November 28, 2019.
- ^ "Khimki, center Mozgov reunite". EuroLeague.net. July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
- ^ "Timofey Mozgov makes his return in Khimki's win". Eurohoops.net. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Rowienski, Alex (December 23, 2021). "Timofey Mozgov agreed terms with Runa Basket". Eurobasket. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- ^ "Timofey Mozgov Bio, Stats, and Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com
- Timofey Mozgov at euroleague.net
- Timofey Mozgov at fiba.com