For 90 days get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 57 brings…
Timofey Mozgov (C, Denver Nuggets), Russia
Height: 2.16 m, 7-foot-1 | Weight: 113kg, 250 pounds | Born: 16 July, 1986
Heading into 2013-14, Denver had a secret weapon in Timofey Mozgov. After his breakout performance last season he's no secret anymore.
Mozgov received more playing time at center after McGee's season-ending injury five games into the season. The St. Petersburg native filled the spot in big ways and marked his best year so far. He had more total rebounds, blocks and points than in his previous three seasons combined.
At 7-foot-1 and 250 pounds, setting a screen for his teammates gave them clear paths to the basket. His imposing build also came in handy on the rebounding end.
He recorded the NBA season-high in rebounds for a single game with 29 on 10 April against the Warriors which also set the all-time rebounds record for the Nuggets' franchise. This game marked the pinnacle of his season, and occurred during Mozgov's strong close to the finish line. In the last nine games of the season, he averaged 16.7 points and 9.2 rebounds.
A staple in the 2013-14 roster, being the only Nugget to play all 82 games, McGee will be back this October but will have to compete with Mozgov to earn back the starting spot at center.
Achievements/Awards:
- Olympic Bronze Medalist (2012)
- FIBA European Championship Bronze Medalist (2011)
Key Stats:
2013-14 Season: GP: 82 | MPG: 21.6 | PTS: 9.4 | REB: 6.4 | BLK: 1.2
Season Highlight: He scored 23 points and snatched 29 rebounds on 10 April against the Warriors, the highest number of rebounds in one game by any NBA player last season.
Five Things To Know:
1. His teammates and coach call him "Timo."
2. Melvin Hunt, a member of the Nuggets coaching staff told the Denver Post, "Mozgov works on his game every day and on off days - we have to make him take days off."
3. He appeared in eight games for the Bronze Medal winning Russian team at the 2012 Olympics averaging 10.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 18.6 minutes
4. He was traded from New York to Denver in the trade that also brought Danilo Gallinari to the Nuggets and sent Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks.
5. He conducts an annual basketball tournament for children in St. Petersburg called TM25 Cup.
Check out Mozgov's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
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