Former Charlotte Hornets big man signs with team in Serbia

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Frank Kaminsky #44 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a three point basket against Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Frank Kaminsky #44 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a three point basket against Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Former Charlotte Hornets big man and ninth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Frank Kaminsky, has found a new home. Kaminsky is taking his talents overseas by signing a deal with Partizan Mozzart Bet of the Adriatic Basketball Association in Belgrade, Serbia. Partizan is the reigning ABA league champion and is the only Serbian team to play an official game against an NBA team.

https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1692242453498098145?s=20

Kaminsky was a fine player for the Hornets during his time in Charlotte, averaging 9.8 points and 4 rebounds while converting 34.9% of his attempts from three-point range. After leaving the Hornets, Kaminsky bounced around the league. A three-year stint with the Phoenix Suns was his longest before splitting 36 games last season between Atlanta and Houston.

Injuries and missed time have been a consistent theme throughout Kaminsky’s career, as his injury history is quite lengthy. So much so that Kaminsky’s games played over the last two seasons (45) are less than his total in the 2020-21 season (47). Not being able to find consistent playing time has impacted his ability to remain in the NBA. As the saying goes, the best ability is availability, and that is something that has eluded Kaminsky as his career progressed.

Perhaps some time overseas will help Kaminsky reestablish his value. Even if he is not able to return stateside, there is still an avenue to be a successful basketball player in Europe. And who knows, maybe Kaminsky can find his way back to the NBA should he be able to show that he can still play the game at a certain level. Anything is possible as long as he can prove to be capable of being an asset on the court. With the similarities between how the game is played in Europe versus the NBA currently, the adjustment should he return will not be as drastic as it would have been for players in the past.