New York Knicks: 5 Burning Questions Following The Preseason

3. Lance Thomas or Mindaugas Kuzminskas?

Lance Thomas signed a four-year contract during the summer of 2016, which is reason enough to believe he’ll be the backup small forward. Thomas didn’t exactly inspire the masses with his play during the preseason, however, and his timing couldn’t have been worse.

While Thomas was struggling to find his rhythm offensively, Mindaugas Kuzminskas was turning heads every time he took the court.

It was only the preseason, but Thomas shot a combined 12-of-38 from the field over the course of six games. He shot 2-of-11 from beyond the arc, as well, which offers reason for legitimate concern.

Thomas may have shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range in 2015-16, but prior to last season, he’d only made seven 3-point field goals in in four seasons.

Kuzminskas had seven points in six minutes during the preseason opener and he never looked back. He recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes against the Boston Celtics, had 10 points in the preseason finale, and played with confidence on both ends.

Six preseason games may not be enough to make a drastic decision, but if Thomas continues to struggle, Kuzminskas could take his job as primary the backup forward.