If you’ve read Knicks Vision in the past couple of weeks, you should know by now that I’m huge on Timo Mozgov.

I recently read on Twitter that someone thought Mozgov’s contribution was redundant to the team because of Amar’e. Now at first glance, I could see how this might be the case. But if you really analyze the Russian’s role on the Knicks, it is clear that he could be an essential player for Coach D’Antoni. That’s right, I said essential. Here’s why:

You can never have too many bodies in the paint

Is any team going to be able to match-up with the Knicks effectively? If you were to have Mozgov, Randolph, Gallo, and Amar’e in the lineup at one point in the game, the Knicks could out-size any team on the boards. They can finally run the half court pick and roll with two pickers at the same time. If Amar’e gets the ball from Felton, he runs it into the paint and, let’s say, he misses the layup. Mozgov will be right there to put it back in. If it’s a long(er) miss, Gallinari or Randolph will be there to restart the offense.

Gets up the court quickly

From what we’ve seen in the World Championships, Mozgov can run, and he can do it well. No knock on Stoudemire, but Moz is obviously skilled at getting to the basket quickly. There is no doubt that his quickness will be an important asset in the third quarter.

This man brings depth

As true fans we would never admit and pray against it, but deep down, you know someone is going to get hurt on this team. It always happens. It happens in every sport for practically almost every team. If a big man with a big impact is plagued by injury (Randolph, Amar’e, Turiaf fall into that category), someone is going to need to step up. That guy? The Russian Cat.

The Knicks will get excitement out of him

Although he only plans on playing fifteen-twenty minutes a game, that doesn’t mean he won’t make an impact on the crowd. He loves to throw the basketball down and dunk somebody. He averages one block per game in the World Championships. This guy will get MSG pumped and thus may have a tremendous effect on the team as well.

Mozgov will play a bigger factor for the Knickerbockers this season than you may think. And don’t be surprised if late in the year, the team needs this guy for his grit to survive.

NYY1NYK2 wrote:He's a legit 7 footer, all he needs to do is be around the rim, this guy is good for 15mins, 8pts,5-7rebs, and 3 GOOD HARD FOULS

8 and 6 in 15 is wishful thinking

but I do agree with the caps, and that he will produce something of meaning in 15 minutes