5 free agent signings NBA teams are already regretting
By Connor Learn
2. Timofey Mozgov – Los Angeles Lakers
Contract: Four years, 64 million
At 7’1 and 275 pounds, Timofey Mozgov is a physical center who also displays the mobility necessary to be an adequate rim protector and pick and roll finisher. He is also a relatively skilled player; a career 72.9 percent free throw shooter. The Nuggets acquired him from the Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony trade and later dealt him for two first round picks from Lebron’s Cavaliers.
He started in the playoffs as the Cavaliers made a run to the 2015 NBA Finals but fell out of favor when Tyronn Lue took over as Cavalier’s coach last year. He lost his starting job and played less than 20 minutes per game; culminating in him being inactive entirely when the Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals.
Why this contract is already regrettable
The Lakers organization knew what they were getting with Mozgov. He has started each of the games he has played in so far this year and played ably for about 20 minutes in those contests. His 7.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game don’t really move the needle for the Lakers, but he provides steady veteran play.
He has done what he has shown he is capable of doing. Coach Luke Walton has the Lakers sitting at a surprising 6-5, playing quality basketball with a mix of youth and veterans.Mozgov is the Lakers’ best rim protector and he elevates their team defense when he’s on the floor. He plays the role the Lakers ask of him.
Paying Mozgov 16 million dollars this year, for this Lakers team, is defensible. But his level of play will tail off as he advances into his thirties. His presence and his contract may limit the Lakers. Bouncy lineups featuring Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. at the 4 and 5 this year have had some success and Mozgov will prevent the Lakers from exploring that.
He isn’t the long-term answer at center and his guaranteed 16 million dollar cap hold may be difficult to move. The Lakers will seek to make moves up the Western Conference sooner than later; 33 and 34 old Mozgov being owed 16 million dollars a year will be a hindrance on that. This regrettable contract really isn’t the fault of Timofey Mozgov, but rather just one that was doomed from the start.