With the growing influence of European players on US soil, there has been a lot of debate around the Euro League and the NBA. The vast cultural difference between the two leagues is one reason the debate sees no end. Recently, a former Lithuanian star who played for the New York Knicks with Carmelo Anthony dropped a shocking take on the topic.

According to Lithuanian basketball star Mindaugas Kuzminskas, who also played for the Knicks, the NBA has “no pressure” when pitted against European basketball. In the much-loved league, things continue to be dandy even after teams enter a losing streak. But across the ocean, things are very serious.

“In Europe, if you lose six games in a row, you might get fired,” Kuzminskas told Eur Insiders bluntly.

The power dynamics are different in the NBA and European basketball. In the league, coaches earn less than players. But in Europe, coaches have longer-running contracts, giving them a tougher responsibility. The VIP culture isn’t as prevalent in European basketball, which allows coaches to put everyone through the grind. The environment is much more cut-throat, and coaches have to take the fall if they don’t deliver on expectations.

The change in culture is a shock to most players. Willy Hernangomez, who played for the Knicks, Pelicans, and Hornets, was surprised that there was no conformity in the team when he first came to the US. Not many European players stay in the NBA for a long time – including Mindaugas Kuzminskas. With the Knicks for only a single season, he featured in 69 games in the NBA, averaging 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field. This short experience was enough to clear the air for him.

In the 2016-17 season, when Kuzminskas was part of the Knicks, they finished 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 31-51 record. Head coach Jeff Hornacek had a decent roster led by Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick Rose, and others. Yet, they never really gained consistency throughout the season. They lost six games in a row from December 25 to January 4, 2017. Despite such results, Hornacek survived the season and even continued as the Knicks’ head coach for the next season, where he missed the playoffs again. It was only in 2018 that Hornacek was fired.

Kuzminskas could have also spent some more in the NBA, had it not been for the way Hornacek rotated him in the season.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas was not happy with former Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek

Kuzminskas was known as ‘Chesse’ simply because he used to smile a lot. In his rookie season in the NBA, he also gave fans reasons to smile by becoming a regular feature. But in the next season, Kuzminskas found himself on the bench. The additions of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Doug McDermott. Kuzminskas’ budding potential was cut short tremendously. which didn’t sit well with him.

“Expected a different going to the season especially after a great summer in the championships” Kuzminskas told the New Yorll Post in 20017. “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

“It’s more a question for coach,’’ Kuzminskas said of his chances after suffering an injury in training camp. “He sees me or doesn’t see me on the team.” At that time, he thought he put forward the necessary production needed to be put on the roster. Sadly, that troubling season put off the NBA for him. Kuzminskas has returned to Europe, and now plays for the AEK Basketball Club.

Hornacek, on the other hand, never got to be head coach again. He is now with the Utah Jazz as a consultant analyst. His career showed that there are only so many chances that coaches in the NBA can get. It’s more than what those in Europe get, but there is always a point where someone has to draw the line.