It was a devastating blow for the Cavaliers when big man Anderson Varejao tore his right Achilles on Dec. 23, almost two months after signing a three-year, $30 million extension.
At that time he was the only center on the roster who could provide productive minutes, and the team suffered because of his injury, losing 10 of its next 12 games.
General Manager David Griffin was forced to kick his pursuit of a center into overdrive. Two weeks later, via trade with the Denver Nuggets, he acquired the player he had coveted for some time: Timofey Mozgov.
Mozgov has made a smooth transition in the locker room and the court. The rim-protecting enforcer has been the ideal fit. As a Cavalier, Mozgov is averaging career highs in points (10.5), rebounds (8.1) blocks (1.5) and field goal percentage (60 percent).
Varejao is a finesse, offensive-minded center with a nice touch around the basket. The connection he's established with LeBron James on the pick-and-roll game is unparalleled.
Mozgov, however, adds a different dimension. He's a tough, physical defensive presence with a nasty edge to hm. The 7-2
Russian doesn't take crap from anyone.
"There's not too many things that I'm afraid of," he told Northeast Ohio Media Group with a blank stare.
Mozgov enjoys mixing it up with his counterparts. If opponents chooses to push and shove, then he's all for it. If trash talking is on for the evening, it's like a second language to him.
And don't infuriate the man. That's when you'll start to see words coming out of his mouth that you're not familiar with, in Russian.
"Man, you don't even want to know what I'm saying," he said followed by laughter. "I'll keep that to myself."
And although Varejao is on the mend and out of commission, that hasn't prevented him from contributing to the team. It's not easy to sit back helplessly and watch someone else play your position, especially when they're exceeding all expectations.
But Varejao has been Mozgov's biggest supporter, an indicator of just what type of person he is.
"Andy is constantly in my ear giving me advice and encouraging me," Mozgov said. "He's just a good dude and I'm having fun. What I've been able to do is because of how he's prepared me. I'm thankful."
We've only seen Varejao at a few games since he went down, but apparently he is still very much engaged and a part of the team.
"Hell yeah," Mozgov said without hesitation. "He's with us."
Mozgov's spunk is one of the main reasons why the Cavaliers are the hottest team in basketball. Before his arrival, teams were not frightened by the Cavaliers, even though they had three of the best players in the game.
He has
changed the dynamic of the team, mentally and physically.
"I just play," he said. "I don't try to be a bad guy or a good guy. I just go out there and play hard. I do like to play hard."
The good deeds behind the scenes rarely make it out for public consumption. Andy can't run right now, but he's running his mouth to inspire and to offer guidance. He's not letting a future position battle get in the way of what the team is trying to accomplish this year.
"It's just great having Andy around whenever he's around," Cavs coach David Blatt said. "He always lifts everybody's spirits. He's the ultimate professional."
Varejao has spent all 11 of his years in Cleveland, so he knows how thirsty the city is for a championship. He's doing whatever he can to bring it into fruition.
"He's been a big part of my adjustment in Cleveland," Mozgov said. "I have to listen to him. He has a lot of experience in the NBA. He wants what's best for the team. I appreciate that."
