For many players in the NBA, the opportunity to represent the New York Knicks is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The franchise’s rich history, its place in basketball lore, and the brightest lights of Madison Square Garden make it one of the most iconic teams in sports. Beyond basketball, the city itself, with its vibrant lifestyle, endless nightlife, and cultural pulse, offers athletes a time that few others can match.
However, for former NBA champion Timofey Mozgov, the allure of New York never impressed him. In fact, he was so troubled by the dirt and stink of that place that he was content with not spending a long time in the Big Apple.
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Mozgov on why he didn’t like New York
Timofey made his debut in the NBA at the age of 24 with the Knicks during the 2010-11 season. In his brief stint with the team, Mozgov appeared in 34 games over the regular season and averaged 3.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game before being traded to the Denver Nuggets midway through the season. However, beyond his on-court struggles, the seven-foot center admitted how his off-court experiences in New York made it increasingly difficult for him to make a living and settle into that place.
Appearing on the “Jao Mile” podcast, Mozgov reflected on his early days in the NBA, acknowledging that while he truly adored the Knicks as a basketball franchise and their culture, he despised the life normal people led in New York. Not only was he stunned to see how the sewers always smelled and that there was garbage in the richest streets of New York, but the fact that people were content with the dirtiness and unhygienic conditions made the experience worse for Timofey, as it hindered his ability to make a living.
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“I like the team. It was fun to play, and there was really good people on the team; they really take care of me,” Mozgov said. “But when we talk about the city, city, they say Trump right now clean it a little bit. But still, you walk at the middle of the city where you have apartments that cost 10 million dollars, and right next to it is a bag of trash, just 10-15 bags of trash. It’s crazy. They say they clean it right now, but it’s always dirty.”
The grass isn’t always greener
From an outsider’s perspective, it is easy to assume that playing for the Knicks would be a dream scenario. The courtside seats packed with celebrities, the electric atmosphere of MSG, and the immense fan following often make it appear as though every player aspires to wear the Blue & Orange jersey. However, on the contrary, from Mozgov’s honest admission, a different viewpoint can be sensed — one that sheds light on the reality of living in one of the world’s busiest cities.
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It’s safe to say that for some, the bright lights that symbolize opportunity can also be blinding, and for Russian big mab, that was precisely the case. Ultimately, his experience serves as a reminder that not every player fits seamlessly into the culture and pace of New York. That is why he was content with having the shortest of stints of his NBA career in the Mecca of entertainment and sports.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.