Frank Kaminsky Wants to be a Stretch Four

Center Frank Kaminsky is eyeing a new position when he transitions to the NBA from Wisconsin.

“[I’m] turning myself into a four,” Kaminsky said at a Santa Barbara workout on Thursday for approximately 150 NBA executives, hosted by his agent Bill Duffy.

“In college, I played the five for so long.  I know I can play the four.  I just have to pick up the nuances,” he continued.  “The NBA values big guys that can stretch the floor.”

The 22-year-old Kaminsky measured at nearly 7’1 at the Chicago NBA Combine.  He will likely be a lottery selection in June’s NBA Draft, possibly even top 10.

As a senior, Kaminsky averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line.

He’s more concerned with finding the right fit in the NBA than how early he is picked.

“I’m just excited going in to an organization that’s happy to have me and happy to work with me,” he said.  “Whoever that is from four to 30, I don’t really care.

“Obviously there’s a part of me that does care how high, because you play against certain people in the draft and personally, I feel like I outplayed a lot of them – but that’s just the way the NBA is.”

Kaminsky was in New York for Tuesday’s draft lottery and shortly thereafter rushed to Santa Barbara.  He’ll be traveling all over the country for workouts leading up to a return to New York for the draft.

“Flying from here to Miami or back to New York, or wherever I’m going to work out is going to be pretty difficult, I’m sure,” said Kaminsky.  “I’m just excited for it all.  I’m ready to get to the next level and show what I can do.”

He could be the most polished offensive big coming into the NBA this season, although NCAA Finals foe and fellow BDA client Jahlil Okafor may hold that honor.

Kaminsky is confident he can transition successfully to power forward.

“I played against fours in college, because that’s who was guarding me.  I know what I’m able to do,” he said.  “The college game is obviously different than the NBA game.  It also makes it easier that the shot clock is 11 seconds shorter.  There’s not as much running around.”

He’ll need to prove he can defend on the next level, especially if he’s tasked with chasing around quicker stretch fours.

“I’d rather have the offensive game translate and then be able to figure out the defense,” he said.  “I feel like that’s easier for me than being the defensive specialist and figuring my way offensively.”

Kaminsky gave warning to teams that might overlook him, citing previous drafting mistakes.

“Kevin Durant goes number two in the draft and he’s an NBA All-Star. [Greg] Oden was number one,” he said.  “Steph Curry, same thing.”

Again, Kaminsky stressed the importance of fit.

“You just need to get into the right situation where you’re going able to blossom in your career.  I want to come in and win,” he said.  “I’ve been close to winning championships at every level.  That’s something I want to achieve before I’m gone.

“I don’t see myself retiring until I get one.”