First, the news:
Russian center Timofey Mozgov will sign a three year, 9.7 million dollar contract with the New York Knicks. Knicks will pay Khimki 500k USD.
Now, the question: Who? I'm here at Summer League and am going to try and hunt down Givony to learn anything about this fellow.
For now, here's his DX profile. A selection:
The athletic 7-1 center had an outstanding campaign under David Blatt with the Russian national team in the European Championships in Poland this summer, averaging 11 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 23 minutes per game, helping his team far exceed expectations despite missing most of their big name players. He seems to be making big strides in his game year after year and is clearly not a finished product at this point. With his outstanding physical attributes and especially the way he runs the floor, it not out of the question that he could be a much better fit for the more up and down style of play that is found in the NBA than he is for Europe.
Update: Givony just twat this:
Mozgov can play guys. He's a big body and super athletic guy who rebounds, block shots and finishes really well around the rim.
Update from the very reliable Sham Sports:
I saw Khimki about 14 times in 2008-09. So while I'm not trying to brag, trust me when I implore to you that Mozgov is an NBA player.
And some video.