The Los Angeles Lakers signed former Cleveland Cavaliers reserve center Timofey Mozgov to a four-year, $65 million contract during the opening stages of free agency on Friday morning. It was a move that threw a lot of people for a loop, but the center position was definitely a need in Los Angeles. Here's a look at the signing through a fantasy lens.
What Mozgov Brings to the Table
He took a back seat to Tristan Thompson in Cleveland as the 2015-16 season drew on. That took on a whole new meaning with Mozgov failing to see action in nine of the team's playoff games en route to the NBA title. It was a combination of Mozgov's struggles and the Cavaliers scheme change when Tyronn Lue took over for David Blatt that led to this.
Overall, Mozgov averaged 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes of action per game during the regular season. Those numbers dipped to a ridiculously low 1.2 points and 1.6 boards in the playoffs. Not exactly numbers that will inspire fantasy owners the world over.
Though, it must be noted that the Russian big man did average 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 59 percent from the field in 2014-15. If given opportunities, he's proven capable of hauling in some solid stats.
Level of Competition in Pacific Division
Mozgov goes from a Central Division in the Eastern Conference that boasts four of the 10 worst teams as it relates to giving up fantasy points to centers. Think about that for a second. The other four teams in the division with Cleveland represents four of the 10 spots riding up the rear here.
He's now heading to a division out west that boasts three of the top four teams against fantasy centers. The Golden State Warriors possess Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli (should he re-sign). Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings have both DeMarcus Cousins and a defensive gem in Willie Cauley-Stein on the inside in the state's capital.
Final Outlook
There's not going to be any competition for the starting job with the Lakers. This means Mozgov should see 30-plus minutes of action per game. That will make him a decent DFS player depending on matchups and how he's performing at times. Though, Mozgov definitely won't be relevant in re-draft or keeper leagues. That's for sure.