Here are the fantasy repercussions from the news that Cleveland Cavaliers unrestricted free agent C Timofey Mozgov will sign a four-year, 64 million dollar contract to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, per The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski,:
As a stocky rim protector, Mozgov was a crucial piece to the Cavaliers' Finals run in 2015, one that ultimately fell short. Injuries and fit made him expendable in 2016 and Cleveland was able to win a championship despite not getting a large contribution from the big man.
It's clear from his per game averages -- 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 17.4 minutes -- that Mozgov on his own is far from a must-have fantasy player. He has never averaged more than 25.2 minutes per game in a season and his abilities don't quite lend themselves to double-double production.
But what Mozgov does offer (and this is the reason the Lakers loaded up the Brink's truck and dumped a reported 64 million on his front lawn) is back-end rim protection, a skill that should allow the team's young core to develop their abilities without every missed defensive assignment leading to an easy look at the hoop.
The biggest beneficiaries will be PF Julius Randle and six-foot-nine rookie tweener Brandon Ingram; both should see 25 to 30 minutes per outing in the upcoming season. Much of that will be with Mozgov in a security role. That would allow the youngsters to breath a little on defense while expending more energy and focus on offense.
Randle's fantasy stock should see the largest boost. He averaged 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season in just 28.2 minutes a night. Mozgov isn't a major rebounding force, so Randle's production in that category shouldn't be effected. Randle was taken with an average draft position of 117.3 last season; clearer roles should bring greater production. Expect him to go in the top-70.
Overall, a steadier presence on defense than the mercurial Roy Hibbert will give the team a chance to develop with the knowledge that there's a veteran presence at center ready to do the dirty work. The intangible boost it will bring to players like PG D'Angelo Russell, Randle and Ingram will be profound. In short, no more unaccompanied minors in Los Angeles.
Other Notes
- It also appears that guard Jordan Clarkson will be back in the fold. He was second on the team in scoring behind retired legend Kobe Bryant, so even with higher-profile youngsters seeing an increase in role, Clarkson should see an increase in production as well.
- Signing Mozgov means the probability of resigning UFA Hibbert is slim. He did little to impress in his first season in L.A. and if the Lakers' brass thought he was capable of A-plus rim protection, he would've been the man getting that 64 million dollar offer.
- The Lakers will likely fill out their center rotation with at least one more veteran signing. Currently, the depth chart has Mozgov penciled-in to start and a qualifying offer has been given to RFA Tarik Black. Rookie Ivica Zubac, a second-round selection this year, is still under contract with his European club for two more seasons but could negotiate a buy-out.
