Skip to content

Cavaliers' Mozgov out six weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Center Timofey Mozgov will be able to return to basketball-related activity in six weeks following successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the team announced Thursday.

Cleveland recently picked up his $4.95 million team option for the 2015-16 season, rewarding Mozgov's solid play following his arrival in January from the Denver Nuggets.

All it cost the franchise was two first-round picks for a 7-foot-1 center who immediately made a huge impact on what the Cavaliers did on the defensive end. The team allowed 105.6 points per 100 possessions when Mozgov was on the bench, compared to just 100.9 when he saw the floor.

The 28-year-old averaged 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 45 regular-season appearances, including 10.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during the Cavaliers' playoff run that culminated in a trip to the NBA Finals.

Mozgov stepped up offensively with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both injured during the six-game series with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 14 points on 55.1 percent shooting.

His recovery won't cost him any games, but it's still something the team will need to keep an eye on, considering how injuries dented the team's championship hopes during their first run at a title with the revamped core.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox