Timofey Mozgov re-signs with Denver Nuggets

In a move that has puzzled some in the NBA community, the Denver Nuggets have re-signed center Timofey Mozgov to a 3-year contract. On the surface, the 7-footer staying in Denver isn’t a surprise, but the lofty salary (3 years, $14 million) is a bit of a shock in league circles.

Mozgov averaged just 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in a “third” center role in Denver, and the Nuggets let what most feel is a better player walk away in Kosta Koufos. Obviously, this could be a situation where new head coach Brian Shaw preferred Mozgov, but frankly, I can’t see a rational scenario in which that could be the case. It is more likely a case of a new regime taking over in Denver and providing some slight mismanagement of their salary cap tools.

At 27 years old, Timofey Mozgov could possibly become a productive NBA center at some point… but that point needs to be rapidly approaching if you are a Denver Nuggets supporter. He’ll be relied upon heavily to back up the always-entertaining JeVale McGee, and with his lackluster numbers across the board, it could be a bit of a challenge.

However, he has never been blessed with such a clear “role” before, so this could be the wake-up call that he needs. At any rate, the center position for the Denver Nuggets is always a blessing to the observer.