Lakers: 5 Reasons Why Timofey Mozgov Could Be A Good Fit For LA
Mobility
While by no means is Timofey Mozgov a speedster, his mobility will be a massive upgrade over that of Roy Hibbert. Mozgov has respectable quickness for someone of his size, and is nowhere near the lumbering figure that Hibbert was in his lone season with the Lakers.
Here, Mozgov makes a key defensive deflection, in turn initiating a fast break scenario for the Cavaliers. Immediately afterwards, he begins to run straight toward the basket at full speed, and is rewarded for doing so to the tune of an easy bucket.
Rim Protection
Mozgov is an extremely capable rim protector who will help a young Lakers squad that is likely to struggle on the defensive end of the floor. Though he is a notoriously bad pick and roll defender, he can be a reliable last line of defense should opposing players blow by the Lakers’ inexperienced youngsters.
In fact, Mozgov may not be getting his fair share of mention as one of the league’s top rebounders.
In this play, Mozgov detracts former Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose from entering the paint, and later blocks Rose’s layup attempt to ensure a successful defensive stop.
Buys Time for Black and Zubac
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Mozgov mentioned that Luke Walton said he will be the primary big man for the time being but that doesn’t mean he’ll hold the starting job forever.
Signing him gets a big man who fills the hole at center right now and will also help the development process of Tarik Black and Ivica Zubac moving forward.
At the end of the day, Mozgov is a serviceable big man who will supplement the Lakers’ young core and allow them to take charge without asking much in return. Though he may not necessarily merit his contract, his mere presence will allow the Lakers to go forward with the future of the team.
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In this manner, Mozgov will only expedite the rebuilding process, even though he is not the big name center whom many fans hoped the Lakers would sign.