Mindaugas Kuzminskas has fallen out of the rotation for the New York Knicks, and he’s not feeling great about it.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas became a fan favorite last season, but after the New York Knicks revamped their roster he’s found himself as the odd man out. The 28-year-old is understandably not taking it well.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Kuzminskas is wondering about his future with the organization. It’d be weird if he wasn’t. The sophomore forward has been inactive for all eight regular season games and his contract’s up at the end of the season.
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“Kuz” is obviously disappointed with the way the season’s turned out so far. He tells Berman that he expected this would go differently after his strong play in EuroBasket. Apparently, the Lithuanian believes he should be treated better.
“It’s kind of disappointing,’’ Kuzminskas told The Post on Friday night at the Garden. “Last season I had ups and downs but I thought I did pretty good job. Expected a different going to the season especially after a great summer in the championships. I was feeling I was doing better than some of the NBA guys in them. And then to come here, you’re inactive. You’re nothing – not in the rotation, not even on the [active] roster.”
Kuzminskas feels like he should be playing. He points out that at 28 years old, he’s in his prime.
“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. I’m not a guy who feels good about myself but I feel I can play here. Last year I played good usually. It’s really hard.’’
Unfortunately, Michael Beasley and Doug McDermott pushed him out of the rotation. McDermott has been playing excellent basketball, and Beasley is coming off his best game of the season on Friday with 11 points in 17 minutes.
Kuzminskas was a signing of former president Phil Jackson. Per Berman, the two were close.
“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.’’
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