Timofey Mozgov ready to launch comeback

Timofey Mozgov, who has been sidelined since the 2017-18 NBA campaign, will play his first pro game in several years on Monday night.

Khimki Moscow Region announced the news of Mozgov’s comeback on Sunday. He will face Russian rival Enisey in his first game back.

The 216-cm center sustained a knee injury on April12, 2018 while playing for the Brooklyn Nets.

Mozgov signed with the VTB United League’s Khimki Moscow Region in 2019. But his return to action has been years in the making. It was delayed further by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timofey Mozgov’s NBA career

Before hurting his knee, Timofey Mozgov appeared in 454 NBA games from 2010-18. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.6 assists for the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Nets.

Mozgov, 34, won an NBA championship ring while suiting up for the Cavs in the 2015-16 season.

Time with national team

He last saw action with the Russian national team in the summer of 2018, while the squad participated in 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Mozgov didn’t play at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

In July 2019, he explained why he was inactive.

“I had no contacts with the national team’s administration or the Russian Basketball Federation in the recent days and, therefore, was unable to announce my inability to join the national squad for the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup,” Mozgov said.