Stateside, center Timofey Mozgov was an unknown commodity when the Knicks signed him to a four-year deal earlier this summer. But now, as a member of Russia’s national team at the FIBA World Championships, he’s making a name for himself. Marc Berman of the New York Post explains that New York brass is pleased with his play:
Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he is pleased with Mozgov’s performances in Istanbul, where he is averaging 12.5 points and 18 minutes a game.
“Mozgov has played very well so far,” Walsh told The Post. “He’s shown he is a great prospect for the Knicks and NBA. I have been very impressed by how hard he plays. He has given a good account of himself. We are glad to have him.”
Pete Thamel of the New York Times, meanwhile, spoke with David Blatt, the American-born coach of Russia’s national team, about Mozgov, in his profile of the 23-year-old big man:
“I think it’s going to be easier for him in the N.B.A. than in Europe,” Blatt said. “He’s not going to have to be a lead player, and they’ll probably put him in a small area of the game where he has to pick and cut or run the break hard, which he does extremely well.
“Still, it’s going to be a big adjustment for Timofey.”
We’ll soon know what to expect from Mozgov at the NBA level when the Knicks’ preseason schedule opens on October 3rd.