Timofey Mosgov FIBA Review

During the Fiba World Championships of course my main focus has been watching the US Basketball team take it to the world. But I have also had a chance to look at the Knicks new toy, 7'1 Russian Center Timofey Mosgov. Today I got to see them clash for the first time, Mosgov finished with 13 points and 4 rebounds in an impressive outing and USA left with the W. During the tournament Mosgov lead his team in scoring(off the bench) averaging 12.6 points shooting 65.5% from the field, 3.7 rebounds and 1 block in 18.7 minutes per game. However those stats, especially the rebounds, don't really tell the story. Here is my breakdown of Timofey Mosgov's game.

Offense:

At this point in his development Mosgov does not have a polished offensive game to say the least. Unlike most European Big men he does not have a consistent jumper to rely on and if you Put him one on one on the block with an NBA center don't expect much. He doesn't have a go to post move and seems a little out of control at times. His greatest asset on the offensive end will be his screening and rolling. For his size Mosgov has excellent mobility and good technique on his screens. I think New York is the ideal place for Mosgov, Mike D'Antoni will utilize his mobility with screen and rolls and keeping him moving on that side of the court.

Defense:

This is probably one the weakest parts of Mosgov's game. Usually when you say a center is not a good defender you are referring to shot blocking but its not that, because he can. But his positioning and decision making leaves something to be desired. For somebody who is so good at the screen and roll on offense, defensively he looks lost. He will be in foul trouble ALOT due to these issues expect it to be something that assistant coach Herb Williams will be in his ear about constantly.

Rebounding:

If you look at his underwhelming rebounding numbers alone you would have cause for concern. However, Mosgov's focus is not on actually grabbing the rebounds but completely removing his guy from the block. Mosgov has excellent technique in boxing out, a skill that has seemed to disappear in the NBA. Although you would like him to have more boards one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is his man getting on the offensive glass. With all of the second chance points the Knicks gave up last year look for those opportunities to decrease the more Mosgov plays. Also don't be surprised if you see the fours that line up with Mosgov to have good rebounding numbers.

Overall I think the Knicks could have a nice player in Mosgov. He is young, raw and needs a little work but look for him to contribute by the second half of the season.
His strengths fit well with what Mike D'Antoni wants to do on the court and his attitude seems to be good. Just another reason that I CANT WAIT for the season to start.