The Miami Heat have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but they can be even better with the addition of Timofey Mozgov.
In less than a month, Timofey Mozgov is unlikely to be with the Nuggets. Since the beginning of the year, calls from other NBA teams have come rolling in concerning a trade for Mozgov more than for any other player on the Denver roster.
Despite the team's record, the group has reached the point where regular-season success is not enough. After winning the championship a year ago, anything less would be considered a disappointment.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers have been playing extremely well in the Western Conference and would provide a challenge in the Finals. In addition, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will not be easy outs in the East.
So far this season, the Heat have struggled mightily on the boards. The squad is dead last in the NBA in total rebounds at 39.1. While that does not tell the whole story, the other numbers are not much better.
Only six teams have grabbed a lower percentage of defensive rebounds and the squad has the third-worst offensive rebound percentage.
These results have not plagued the team much on the court, but there will certainly be an issue in the close games in the playoffs.
This means the Heat need to look for help, and that will come in the form of Mozgov. The Russian is expendable on the Denver Nuggets due to the crowded frontcourt on the roster, but that does not take away from his abilities.
In his three-year career, Mozgov has excelled when he gets on the floor. Unfortunately, that has not been too often.
Overall, he has averaged 3.3 rebounds per game in only 12.7 minutes per game. This averages out to an impressive mark of 12.5 rebounds per 48 minutes.
This season, he has been especially strong on the offensive glass. According to John Hollinger, the big man has the second-best offensive rebounding rate of any player with more than 10 games played this season.
Mozgov would make an already good defense even better as he would be able to match up with other centers around the league, something that Miami has not been able to do in recent years. He could also give the offense extra opportunities with rebounds.
Fortunately, his lack of usage on Denver will likely keep his price down, limiting the cost to draft picks instead of a young player like Norris Cole.
There are more high-profile players that could be moved at the trade deadline, but there might not be a better fit for the Heat than Timofey Mozgov.
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