The Milwaukee Bucks traded Khris Middleton and Kyle Kuzma to the Washington Wizards in early February in a multi-player deal..
It seemed like a shock for the Milwaukee Bucks to part ways with Khris Middleton, who helped them win the 2021 NBA Championship.
But his injury history derailed his playing career, and the Bucks needed someone who could stay healthy and perform as well as Middleton.
Kyle Kuzma struggled during his half-season with the Bucks and didn’t make the impact fans were hoping for.
Kuzma was underwhelming for the Bucks, averaging 14.5 points in 33 games played with the team.
Bill Simmons called Kuzma the most worthless player in the NBA, which prompted Zach Lowe to come to his defense.
“If you add the LVP award to the player who plays 25 minutes and does the most damage on a playoff team, Kuzma is minus-250. I can’t even think of anyone else who would be an outrageous favorite to win,” Simmons said.
“Don’t do this to Kyle Kuzma…he’s not. I know he was the punchline last year. He’s not a bad NBA player. He’ll bounce back. Kuzma will bounce back,” Lowe responded.
Kuzma is expected to come off the bench for the Bucks this season. Doc Rivers had him off the bench in Milwaukee’s recent preseason game.
A second unit role may be exactly what Kuzma needs. As a starter he looked out of place and only functioned as a catch-and-shoot offensive player.
If he comes off the bench, he won’t have to worry about crowding the lane for Giannis Antetokounmpo and can attack the hoop when he gets the chance.
The Bucks still need Kuzma to be a versatile defender, and coming off the bench would allow him to play in his more natural position as power forward.