Mindaugas Kuzminskas rates Lithuanian talent, offers advice to Ignas Brazdeikis / News - Basketnews.com

Mindaugas Kuzminskas touches on his recent World Cup experience and the level of talent on the Lithuanian NT. He also explains why he'd prefer Lithuania to lose to Team USA and mentions what Ignas Brazdeikis should keep an eye on while at Olympiacos.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Always smiling,Mindaugas Kuzminskaswas obviously in a good mood duringAEK Athens' media day. The Greek club made several high-profile signings this past summer, including Jordan McRae, Brian McLemore, Mfiondu Kabengele, and 2018 EuroLeague champion Chasson Randle.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

Position:PF, SFAge:33Height:205 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Vilnius, LithuaniaProfileNewsStatistics

That's four ex-NBA players, with Kuzminskas becoming the fifth. However, the Lithuanian forward was the one who ticked all the boxes from the get-go.

Boasting loads of experience from playing on both sides of the ocean and a long-lasting relationship with AEK's new head coach, Joan Plaza, Kuzminskas was an obvious choice for one of Greece's most storied clubs.

Still, AEK don't possess the resources of a EuroLeague team that would have been almost a no-brainer for Kuzminskas.

Following a productive season with Pinar Karsiyaka in Turkey that ended on a high note, as the team reached the domestic league finals, Kuzminskas started exploring his options. But he didn't want to wait for too long.

"I'm almost 34, and the priorities in my decisions are different than before," he tellsBasketNews.

"Now, it's more about feeling well, living in a nice place, surrounded by great people on the team. I think that's the place. The way you feel off the court is very important for the results you have on the court," he adds.

The Lithuanian international could have waited until the World Cup was over to decide where to sign next.

"If that had been the case, let's be honest, I'd probably have had some better offers," he reflects.

"But I have a family, and my son is very little. I didn't want to keep them and myself waiting. I thought about all the pluses and minuses."

Mindaugas Kuzminskas' conversation with BasketNews wasn't just about his previous and current team in Greece.

The seasoned player also touched on his recent World Cup experience, the level of talent (including his own) on the Lithuanian team compared to the top contenders, and the big win over Team USA that might have backfired on the Baltic side.

He also commented on Ignas Brazdeikis' move to Olympiacos, mentioning what the Reds' latest addition should keep in mind in his new environment.

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