B’klyn rookie Kurucs tantalizes with talent

Rookie Rodions Kurucs’ NBA debut was one of the few bright spots in the Nets’ preseason-opening 107-102 loss to the Knicks at Barclays Center. And it felt like a long time coming for the young Latvian.

Largely buried on Barcelona’s B team after initially declaring for the NBA draft then deciding to stay in Spain, Kurucs took out a year’s worth of frustration in his limited minutes Wednesday night — and made the most of them.

“It was really emotional for me because I didn’t play last year. It was a really good moment for me. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed every minute,” Kurucs said. “What coach gives me, I’ll take it. I’ll use my chance. When he puts me in the game, I’ll use it. I’ll play hard, I’ll play 100 percent and we’ll see what Coach Kenny [Atkinson] decides.”

Kurucs had 13 points, four rebounds and four steals — all in the fourth quarter — to help the Nets pare what had been a 12-point deficit to 99-98.

“I was very pleased with Rodi,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I love his energy. He’s a talented guy, he’s got nice length, I like how he drove it. Showed some good things defensively. In training camp he’s been a little bit of a surprise. He’s multi-position player, I think his speed is better than I thought, I was really pleased with how he played, I loved his energy.

“Secondly, he earned it in training camp. Every time he stepped on the floor, or we scrimmaged, he’s been impressive and confirmed that he’s a talented, talented player. ... He showed good instincts passing the ball. And the thing I liked the most was he doesn’t have any fear. He’s barreling in there, he’s hitting guys. I just liked how aggressive he was, his overall energy. He was a real bright spot.”

Tabbed by some as a lottery pick in 2017, he opted to return to Barcelona. But with his intentions to play in the NBA clear, the Spanish giants essentially banished him to the B team and went with more seasoned players.

“Because Barcelona came out with a good deal and I said I’ll play there and they’ll use me. But it didn’t happen. So it is what it is,” said Kurucs, who fell to the Nets in the second round but has no regrets. “They’re a good club, but you have to be ready to play. They’re great for the grown players. They have to play who is matured already, who can help them, that can take the moment on his shoulders. But you have to be that type of player. I maybe wasn’t ready for that. ... But I think I was.”