Knicks’ Mindaugas Kuzminskas Unhappy With Role

Apparently there is at least one player in the Knicks locker room who misses Phil Jackson. In an article for the New York Post, Marc Berman reports that second-year man Mindaugas Kuzminskas is unhappy with his role, or lack thereof, in New York City. Kuzminskas, who has been inactive for every Knicks game so far this season after becoming somewhat of a fan favorite last year as a rookie, admits to being “sad” that Jackson is no longer around.

“I had a good relationship with Phil,” Kuzminskas said. “He’d tell me when I’m playing worse, when I’m playing good. That was priceless. I’m sad he’s not on the team.“

After starting five games last season as a rookie and averaging 14.9 MPG and 6.3 PPG on 43% shooting from the floor, Kuzminskas expected to have a breakout sophomore year after averaging 15.4 PPG for Lithuania at this summer’s EuroBasket 2017.

“It’s kind of disappointing… I was feeling I was doing better than some of the NBA guys (at EuroBasket),” Kusminskas said. “And then to come here, you’re inactive. You’re nothing – not in the rotation, not even on the [active] roster.”

Kuzminskas is apparently disappointed enough in his role with his Knicks to at least be contemplating a change of scenery. Sources tell Berman that Kuzminskas’ representatives are gauging interest around the NBA. The 28-year-old believes he is entering the peak of his career, and he wants an opportunity to play, be it in New York or someplace else.

“I feel I’m right now the next two, three years is going to be my peak,” Kuzminskas said. “I’m feeling great physically and mentally and know I’m ready.”

The Knicks roster currently sits at 16 players with Joakim Noah sitting on the Suspended List.  With Noah coming back from his suspension soon, the Knicks will need to open up a roster spot. Jarrett Jack seemed like the most likely candidate coming into the season since he has the only non-guaranteed contract on the team, but perhaps the Knicks will now look into moving Kuzminskas instead.