New York Knicks: Olympic Takeaways, Roster Implications, Criticism

Hernangomez versus Kuzminskas

On Saturday, future Knick teammates Hernangomez and Kuzminskas went head-to-head in a matchup between Spain and undefeated Lithuania.

Spain topped Lithuania in a 40-point blowout, but Kuzminaskas won the battle on the court. He finished with 17 points in 27 minutes. In fairness, he’s the most productive player off Lithuania’s bench. He played close to 25 minutes per game during the preliminary round.

Hernangomez finished with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and two blocks on the defensive end. As a close friend to forward Kristaps Porzingis, who decided not to suit up for the Latvian team, the 22-year-old center hopes to earn his role in the Knicks’ rotation, per New York Post reporter Marc Berman.

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According to NBA scouts, via ESPN’s Ian Begley, Hernangomez needs refinement before logging consistent minutes with the Knicks. After watching him compete in Rio, those assessments hold validity. He’s not a skilled low-post scorer but seems willing to develop that part of his game over time, per Begley.

At 6’9”, 216 pounds, Kuzminskas plays a different position, but he’s shown the ability to provide a spark off the bench. He doesn’t possess much potential on the defensive end like Hernangomez, but he can knock down shots in the open.

Hernangomez and Kuzminskas may provide a pleasant surprise for the Knicks in the near future. If both players continue to hone their crafts and adjust to life in the NBA, the Knickerbockers could rival the San Antonio Spurs in signing foreign gems.