Mindaugas Kuzminskas’s good season in Malaga so far hasn’t been unnoticed. Several NBA teams are reportedly interested in adding the small forward to their rosters.
In his second year in Spain with Unicaja, Kuzminskas is averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in Euroleague. It’s a significant increase compared to 6.3 points per game that he averaged last season.
The names of Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz surfaced among the teams that showing serious interest in Kuzminskas. Unicaja has already been contacted by some NBA teams regarding Kuzminskas’s contract status and details.
In 2011 Kuzminskas tried his luck in the NBA Draft but went undrafted. He reminded about himself to NBA scouts in last year’s FIBA World Cup as he nailed 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a semi-final game versus the United States.
Kuzminskas received criticism for not being tough enough in the past – a character property that, according to some experts, is preventing him from reaching his potential.
However, this year the 25-year-old Lithuanian international appears to have found his and confidence in Malaga.
According to his agent, Kuzminskas would like to test himself in NBA Summer League this year but he’s satisfied with life in Malaga and respects his coach Joan Plaza a lot.
Malaga has the option to extend the deal with Kuzminskas this summer. His current deal includes a significant NBA buy-out which could make some NBA teams change their mind.
