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Knicks Rumors: Reasons To Love The Mindaugas Kuzminskas Signing

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; General view of Madison Square Garden in advance of the 2015 NBA All Star Game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; General view of Madison Square Garden in advance of the 2015 NBA All Star Game. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Offensive Rebounding

One of the most intriguing aspects of Mindaugas Kuzminskas’ game is his tenacity on the offensive glass. The NBA has all but abandoned the traditional boxout, which has opened the door for aggressive rebounders to thrive.

Kuzminskas isn’t exactly Kristaps Porzingis with his putback dunks, but he will compete and come up with offensive rebounds.

In 2015-16, Kuzminskas averaged 1.3 offensive rebounds in 19.9 minutes in Liga ACB, and 1.8 in 21.3 minutes in Euroleague play. That translates to averages of 2.3 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes in Liga ACB, and 3.0 per 36 in Euroleague.

For what it’s worth, Kuzminskas has averaged at least 3.0 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes on four consecutive trips to Euroleague—the highest level of competition in Europe.

Considering Kuzminskas does significant damage by following his own shot, it’s worth looking into how he’d fare at the 4. He has the size to box a player out and battle for rebounds, and has a great second jump that enables him to finish above the rim.

Offensive rebounding may not be the most prominent skill a small forward can possess, but this is all adding up to a vital revelation.

Next: From Deep

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