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New York Knicks should trade Mindaugas Kuzminskas

By Ed Easton Jr.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: Mindaugas Kuzminskas #91 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during practice at Kicks Training Facility on September 30, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 30: Mindaugas Kuzminskas #91 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during practice at Kicks Training Facility on September 30, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are loaded at the forward positions and should deal second-year player Mindaugas Kuzminskas to benefit everyone.

The New York Knicks have a very interesting problem concerning their roster early in the 2017-18 season. The recent trade of Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Doug McDermott and Enes Kanter just added to the logjam in New York’s frontcourt. The odd man out because of this is second-year player Mindaugas Kuzminskas, who had hopes of making a bigger impact this season.

Already eight games into the new season and Kuzminskas has been nothing more than a spectator unable to crack the active roster. He is seen in street clothes every game on the bench supporting his teammates each game, but leaving many Knicks fans to wonder if he will see playing time again as a member of the team.

Recent additions such as veteran Michael Beasely and rookie Damyean Dotson have quickly overtaken Kuzminskas on the Knicks’ depth chart. Their strong performances in training camp have forced head coach Jeff Hornacek to bury the talented international star.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Kuzminskas expressed his positive outlook on the situation using his summer experience playing internationally as a reason to remain focused on an eventual return to the lineup.

"“I think this summer gave me a lot of self confidence because I was playing against players from the league [and] I think I did pretty well, we did pretty well so that gave me extra self confidence to go through the season.“I think the season is long and we’ll have a lot of things [that happen] during the season. What I learned from the first season is that you’ve got to be patient and just do your job. You’re playing five minutes, you’re playing seven, you’re playing 30, you can always bring some benefits.”"

Kuzminskas didn’t get the attention like his fellow international Knicks teammates, but his performance was impressive and turned heads during this past summer’s EuroBasket tournament.

In a 79-77 losing effort against Georgia, Kuzminskas scored 18 points in 27 minutes of play. Leading Lithuania in scoring was a bit surprising as the second-year NBA pro was looked at as more of a role player, but his nine points in the fourth quarter proved otherwise in his mind.

The opportunity to move Kuzminskas will benefit both the Knicks and the 28-year old forward as the season pushes on. The loaded front line is filled with talent and wasting a solid player in Kuzminskas for just practice is irresponsible considering the potential to garner more assets in return. There are contenders around the league that would benefit from Kuzminskas’ size and ability to create his own shot at either forward position.

Kuzminskas’ best game as a NBA player took place in January of this year against the Chicago Bulls, scoring 19 points in a rare 104-89 victory. The nationally televised home matchup showed the Lithuanian native’s ability to step up in a big spot when needed off the bench.

Next: 2017-18 Week 3 NBA Power Rankings

The Knicks are focused on building for the future and considering the fact that Kuzminskas has just turned 28 years old, it would be important to make the trade and bring in valuable assets before February’s trade deadline.

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