Mindaugas Kuzminskas Upset with Role on Knicks: ‘It’s kind of disappointing’

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.”

Source: Marc Berman of the New York Post