This marks the final installment of the Mid-Season Report Cards. For the final article, we will be looking at Denver's Centers.
Mid-Season Report Card: Guards
Mid-Season Report Card: Forwards
[caption id="attachment_241" align="alignright" width="193" caption="Timofey Mozgov (right) has done a great job of protecting the rim for the Nuggets. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)"]
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Timofey Mozgov: C+
The 7-foot-1 center out of Russia was a last minute edition of the Carmelo Anthony trade. Mozgov has shown steady signs of improvement over the first half of the season. But perhaps more importantly, he has allowed George Karl to start Nene at the power forward position which often creates a mismatch due to Nene's size.
Mozgov's stats certainly aren't going to wow you. But he has done a good job of protecting the rim as well as running the floor. Both of which are essential in Karl's scheme. Mozgov's biggest problems have been foul trouble and of course injuries. Mozgov has gotten better about reducing his fouls but has also missed eight games for the Nuggets.
[caption id="attachment_243" align="alignright" width="220" caption="Kosta Koufos has made a strong impact filling in for Nene and Mozgov. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)"]
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Kosta Koufos: A-
Koufos received a three-year, $9 million extension during the first half of the season. Koufos has proven that he deserved every penny. Koufos has done an excellent job of filling in for Nene and Mozgov. In Koufus's last 10 games, he has averaged 7.2 points and 7.3 rebound per game despite playing under 20 minutes. Koufos has also done a good job on defense averaging 1.2 blocker per game.
With the return of Mozgov and the eventual return of Nene, Koufus's number will be limited. However, he seized his opportunity and will certainly get his fair share of minutes as the season goes on.
[caption id="attachment_242" align="alignright" width="207" caption="Chris Anderson seems to have returned to form over the last couple weeks. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)"]
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Chris Anderson: C
At the beginning of the year, Anderson was the most disappointing player for Denver. A couple years ago, Anderson was one of the best backup centers in the NBA and one of the most feared shot blockers. Earlier this season however, he just hasn't had the same impact on the defensive end, which has resulted in Koufos taking his spot on the depth chart.
However, after moving down to the third-string center, Anderson has made a surge for the Nuggets. In his last 10 games, Anderson is averaging 8 points, 6.6 rebounds. But more importantly, he is averaging 2.8 blocks per game in only 21 minutes. There were rumors surrounding Anderson being on the trading block and his success is a win-win for the Nuggets. It has risen his stock if they do decide to trade him and if they don't, Anderson is starting to play at a much higher level.
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