Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek has managed to wipe the smile off the face of the man known as “Cheese.’’Mindaugas Kuzminskas, the forgotten Lithuanian who became a fan favorite last season as a rookie, has been inactive for all eight games, donning a suit on the bench. Kuzminskas admits to being sad about his predicament and wondering about his future with the organization.
Kuzminskas, who battled a calf strain in training camp, is nicknamed “Cheese’’ because he always has a smile. Not this season after excelling at the European Championships, averaging 15.4 points.
“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, a 3-point shooter who heard chants of “Kuuuz’’ last season, has talked to his agent about his predicament. Sources indicated Kuzminskas’ reps were gauging interest around the NBA.
Modal Trigger
Mindaugas Kuzminskas has only played in one preseason game this season.Getty Images
When he signed with the Knicks, there were four clubs that had interest, including the Lakers, Cavaliers and Hawks, according to sources. The Knicks have to make a roster move in mid-November when Joakim Noah returns from suspension. Kuzminskas has one year left on his pact at $3.8 million.
He admits he’s getting antsy. Though it’s his second NBA season, he just turned 28.
“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.’’
Ironically, Kuzminskas brought five suits with him for his rookie year, feeling he may not play much because of Carmelo Anthony and Lance Thomas at his position. This year, he brought fewer jackets and ties, feeling he’d established himself. He played in 68 games as a rookie.
“This year I’m going to play, so I brought two suits,’’ Kuzminskas said. “You never know in my life. I got to buy a couple of extra.”
Kuzminskas didn’t think the calf injury during camp was serious. He felt he could’ve played in more than just one exhibition game.
“It’s more a question for coach,’’ Kuzminskas said. “He sees me or doesn’t see me on the team. I was at all the practices at camp before I got hurt. I did all the training camp. You’d have to ask the coach if the injury affected it. Coach wants to win and he’s using players he trusts more, he thinks has more benefits than I can.’’
New additions Doug McDermott and Michael Beasley have taken Kuzminskas’ backup forward minutes. Courtney Lee has moved into the starting small forward slot to make up for Anthony.
Clearly, ousted Phil Jackson – and his advisor Clarence Gaines – were advocates of Kuzminskas’ signing more than Steve Mills, then the GM and now president.
“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.’’
11/4/2017 1:25 PM
