The Cleveland Cavaliers gave up two first-round picks to acquire center Timofey Mozgov from the Denver Nuggets, and they plan to utilize their newly-acquired big man as much as they can.
According to Chris Haynes from the Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavs will start Mozgov once he's up to speed on their system, which could happen as soon as tonight against the Sacramento Kings.
When Thompson was told of the demotion, that was the extent of the conversation, the source said.
He didn’t have any gripes. His only concern is doing what’s best for the team. Not only is his talent of extreme value, but also his character.
“I’ve come off the bench most of the season,” Thompson said. “Whatever it takes for us to win. [I’ll] come out and join the bench mob again. Bring the energy with myself, Delly[Matthew Dellavedova] and all the other guys so that’s a role that I embrace and I’m trying to be the X-factor.”
It is anticipated that Mozgov will drastically improve the team’s defense at the rim. Thompson believes so, too.
“He’s big, he’s seven-foot, he’s long, takes up space and he blocks shots,” Thompson said of Mozgov. “Playing with LeBron and Kyrie is only going to benefit him and we need a guy like that here.”
Thompson is averaging 9.8 points and 8.1 rebounds in 28.8 minutes a game, while Mozgov scored nine points and grabbed eight rebounds in 27 minutes against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, his first game with the Cavs.
Cleveland will try to avoid falling to .500 on the season tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET against the Sacramento Kings.
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