Timofey Mozgov

The Cavaliers met the Warriors in the NBA Finals for the second consecutive season and were finally able to come away with their first championship, but Mozgov was missing from action throughout the series after playing a key complementary role in that same matchup a year earlier. Mozgov's exile from the rotation was part of trend that began under former coach David Blatt earlier in 2015-16, but his playing time and place atop the depth chart didn't truly decline until Tyronn Lue took over in January. Mozgov roughly split the starts at center with Tristan Thompson during the second half of the season, but Lue ultimately decided that Thompson's combination of high energy and relentless effort on the glass made him a better fit for the Cavs in the postseason than Mozgov, who is a superior shot blocker, but not as mobile or as an active of a rebounder. Lue's preference to use smaller lineups resulted in Mozgov averaging just 5.8 minutes per game in 13 appearances during the playoffs and effectively signaled that the organization had no desire to retain him in 2016-17. It was unsurprising that the 7-foot-1, 275-pound big man attracted interest in free agency over the summer, but it was more startling when he agreed to a four-year, $64 million offer from the Lakers on the first day of teams could negotiate with players. That massive financial commitment ensures that Mozgov will enter the season as the Lakers' starting center and should easily surpass the 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds he averaged in 17.4 minutes per game a season ago. Mozgov will likely rank as the fourth or fifth option offensively whenever he's on the court, but because most of his shot attempts will come close to the basket, he'll help owners in the field-goal percentage category while also hitting around 70 percent of his free throws. With few other rim-protecting threats on the Lakers' bench, Mozgov's minutes look to be relatively safe, and that should translate to several more double-doubles after he provided just two in 2015-16.

After losing Anderson Varejao to an Achilles injury in late December, the Cavaliers needed a big body. A little over two weeks later, the team sent a pair of first-round picks to Denver for the 7-1, 250 pound Mozgov. The 29-year-old center helped the team settle into customary roles even though his numbers did not change significantly after the trade. Between the Nuggets and Cavaliers, Mozgoz played 25 minutes and provided 9.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He hit 56 percent of his field goals (59 percent with the Cavaliers) and 72 percent of his freebies. Once LeBron James returned from his mid-season break, the acquisition of Mozgov helped the team win 12 games in a row in January and early February. In the Cavaliers' postseason run, Mozgov put up 10.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 27 minutes. Although Varejao may be back and the Cavaliers may try to play small ball with Tristan Thompson, Mozgov should continue to get consistent playing as the team's defensive anchor. Other than James and possibly Kevin Love, the Russian center may also be the team's best low-post option because he can use his size to get easy buckets.

Mozgov was one of the few healthy survivors of the Nuggets' 2013-14 season, and he played in all 82 games while finishing the season as the starting center. His clean bill of health certainly helped him earn his starting position, but it would be unfair to say that part of his success wasn't due to his personal development throughout the year. Mozgov proved that he is a legitimate double-double threat when given the minutes. With that being said, the healthy return of JaVale McGee (leg) may pose problems for Mozgov's value since McGee will have his eye on reclaiming the starting center role in 2014-15. While we currently have Mozgov slated as the starting center for the Nuggets, coach Brian Shaw used a fluid rotation last season that limited most of the Nuggets' fantasy value, and it's anyone's guess who will ultimately start at center on Opening Night. J.J. Hickson and Darrell Arthur will be fighting for the honor against McGee and Mozgov in training camp.

The native Russian signed a three-year extension this summer to be the backup center in Denver. While the new contract is a positive, the additions of Hickson and Arthur should restrict him from expanding his role much, if at all, from last year.

Mozgov started last year as the Nuggets starting center, and that experience proved crucial as he rose from project to legitimate NBA center material. The lanky 7-footer posted career highs of 5.4 points and 4.1 rebounds during the season and displayed a solid jumper out to 15-feet, a soft touch around the rim, shot-blocking ability, and physicality. He isn’t likely to start in 2012-13 with McGee having blossomed but he’ll still play a big part in the Nuggets' front court rotation.

It's way too early to make any predictions about Mozgov as the Nuggets' starting center, but one thing is for sure, the 7-1, 250 pound center has caught George Karl's eye and seems to all but have the starting job, even with Nene on the roster. If given enough minutes, Mozgov could be a great source of rebounds and blocks. It's worth grabbing him at the end of standard drafts based on his potential.

Donnie Walsh raised a few eyebrows by signing largely unknown Russian center Timofey Mozgov to a three-year deal reportedly worth $9.7 million. The Knicks are hoping he’ll be a bargain at that price. Mozgov has legit center size – 7-1, 270 – runs the floor well and has a clue on offense. He was one of Team Russia’s leading scorers at this summer’s FIBA World Championships – but playing against New Zealand is a far cry from matching up against the Magic and Heat. His role could expand significantly if Turiaf is injured – and Turiaf hasn’t been the most durable player in the league.