Cavs' Mozgov still bothered by knee issue

Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov remains bothered by his right knee, more than three months after arthroscopic surgery was supposed to sideline him for just three weeks.

Mozgov was "visibly frustrated" at the end of the team's Wednesday practice, according to Chris Haynes of Norhteast Ohio Media Group. It reportedly limited him in an individual workout focused on post offense, and Haynes described Mozgov as looking "discouraged," though the center maintained optimism he'll be healthy soon.

"My knee is not - I wish it could be like it's not bothering me, but it is what is is," Mozgov said. "It's bothering me, but we're still working on it. Not before the first game, but in the close future, we will be good. I hope so."

And with that, the ears of agent Rich Paul and restricted free agent Tristan Thompson have certainly perked up.

While it's unclear if Mozgov's comments are to suggest he won't be able to play in the team's Oct. 27 opener - he's managed to average 24.8 minutes over five preseason games - it does add another name to the list of Cleveland's walking wounded. Kyrie Irving still hasn't played, LeBron James shut down his preseason to get his back additional rest, and Kevin Love and Anderson Varejao are still working their way back, though progress has been encouraging.

With all of those injuries, plus the Thompson situation still unresovled, the Cavs' frontcourt rotation will need to be carefully managed in the early going. Paul and Thompson may feel they have leverage against the club for that reason, but it's become clear that at this point, three weeks after the Cavs' qualifying offer expired, that the two sides are fine playing a game of chicken - even if James thinks the situation is a "distraction."

Mozgov was instrumental in the Cavs' resurgence after he was acquired last year, averaging 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 25 minutes over 46 games. His rim protection and pick-and-roll finishing were major assets for Cleveland, but it may be his rebounding that's missed most if he's slowed to start the season.