Mindaugas Kuzminskas: Situational Versatility
Position: Forward
Age: 26 (10/19/1989)
2015-16 Slash Line (Liga ACB): .485/.311/.873
2015-16 Season Averages (Liga ACB): 19.9 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 3PM
If you watched the 2016 Summer Olympics, then you’re well aware of how intriguing a player Mindaugas Kuzminskas is. He put forth a splendid effort for Lithuania, scoring 23 points against Argentina and 17 points against Spain.
Kuzminskas’ greatest strength may be his combination of size and athleticism, but he gives the New York Knicks something bigger than that: options.
With Kuzminskas on the floor, Jeff Hornacek can either play small or play big—and it’s entirely up to his discretion. Kuzminskas is athletic enough to be a near 6’10” small forward, and has the size and range to excel as a stretch 4.
There are many hybrid forwards in the modern NBA, but few actually have the size to enable their teams to either play big or embrace small-ball.
In the open court, Kuzminskas has impressive body control and leaping ability for a player his size. In the half court, he can shoot well with his feet set and he knows how to move without having the ball in his hands.
If the Knicks’ point guards are willing to distribute in 2016-17, then Kuzminskas should become a fan favorite with his ability to play above the rim and space the floor.