Utah Jazz Free Agency: Potential Center Targets

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Mar 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) get tangled up under the basket during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 120-103. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Timofey Mozgov

2015-16 stats: 6.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.8 bpg, 0.4 apg, .565 fg%, .716 ft%, 14.6 PER

Timofey Mozgov played a significant role for the Cleveland Cavaliers team that reached the NBA Finals last season and took the eventual-champion Golden State Warriors to six games. He arrived in Cleveland via trade after establishing a reputation as a defensive anchor and a low post scorer with the Denver Nuggets.

It was more of the same with the Cavs last season as Mozgov started in 45 games for the East champs, averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game in the regular season and played with similar effectiveness in the postseason.

Mozgov has suffered a decline in production this season, struggling with some physical ailments and losing his starting job to Tristan Thompson. Still, a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for the soon-to-be free agent center.

He’s not exactly the stretch big that Jazz fans have been dreaming of (a common thread with the players we’re discussing today), but he did do this once–

The seven-foot-one, 275-pound Mozgov could be the ideal second unit center for the Jazz with his ability to score in the post and cover the paint on defense. He may no longer be a guy you can count on to play heavy minutes, but for 10-15 minutes each night behind the Stifle Tower, he could be incredibly effective.

Next: Zaza Pachulia

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