New York Knicks: Top 5 Breakout Preseason Performers

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Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Chase Budinger (34) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

The New York Knicks are embracing the European movement. They haven’t yet entered San Antonio Spurs territory, but after Kristaps Porzingis broke out in 2015-16, Willy Hernangomez began to do the same during the 2016 NBA preseason.

You can add Lithuanian forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas to that list of former Liga ACB players turned promising young Knicks contributors.

Kuzminskas was absolutely sensational during his time on the court. He recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes against the Boston Celtics and helped close out the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason finale.

Between his size, athleticism, shooting range, and overall willingness to learn, Kuzminskas appears to be a genuine NBA player.

Kuzminskas scored at least seven points in all five of his preseason appearances. That’s an impressive reality considering he played 20 minutes just once—a game during which he had 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a block on 4-of-6 shooting.

For whatever it may be worth, Kuzminskas finished the preseason with averages of 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block per 36 minutes.

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