The season is not yet officially over Kyle Kuzma already going through exit interview box. Hampered by an ankle, the Wizards strong winger will not play tonight against the Rockets. He has not played since March 18.
This lackluster end to the season on the personal and collective levels does not detract from its good overall statistical production. With 21 points on average (45% on shots including 33% from afar), about 7 rebounds and 4 assists, he signed his best career exercise.
Holder of a 13 million dollar option with the Wizards, the former Lakers player will thus present himself in a position of strength on the “free agency” market, which he intends to explore. Which doesn’t necessarily mean he’s leaving Washington, because the Wizards are on it.
” It’s a 100% option. I had a good time here. I developed my game significantly and there are good people here. I’d be silly to say that’s not an option for me “, Formulates the 2020 NBA champion, in post alongside Bradley Beal for two years.
” I have come a long way in the past two years and Wes (Unseld Jr., the coach), tommy (Sheppard, President) and Ted (Leonsis, the owner) all offered me this opportunity and even put me in this situation. I see it here because they support me “, Continues the 27-year-old player who was only turning 13 points on average with the Lakers at the time of his transfer to Russell Westbrook.
It’s not about the money
So, rather than thinking about his next contract, he says he wants to focus on his progress. “ I try to improve myself every year. It’s not about the money, I’ll get paid anywhere (I will) and here too. It’s about whether I can come to work every day and be the best version of myself, help lead the guys, make other people better. All of These Things Matter When You’re Trying to Succeed “, enumerates Kyle Kuzma, in his interview of 30 minutes.
Good intentions which were not followed in terms of results this year since the Wizards, despite their good start to the season, failed to qualify even in play-in. Without more wins on the clock and due to the presence of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, it will be difficult for Kuzma to earn a first All-Star selection for example.
Hence this possibility of going elsewhere to have even more responsibilities. Or have a less important role but in a better stable? “ I think you have to be patient. I believe to some extent in what Lady (Lillard) and even Brad said: they say the grass isn’t always greener. It’s not because you go to a suitor (On title) that you are going to win the title right away because health can be a factor “recalls Kuzma.
He adds in conclusion: It’s a good thing on paper, but is it going well on the pitch? These are things that matter, but at the same time, I’m trying to win. I want to be competitive at a high level. That’s why I play, because I’m a drug addict and I like it. Life is always better when you win. »
| Kyle Kuzma | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2017-18 | ALL | 77 | 31 | 45.0 | 36.6 | 70.7 | 1.1 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 16.1 |
| 2018-19 | ALL | 70 | 33 | 45.6 | 30.3 | 75.2 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 18.7 |
| 2019-20 | ALL | 61 | 25 | 43.6 | 31.6 | 73.5 | 0.9 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 12.8 |
| 2020-21 | ALL | 68 | 29 | 44.3 | 36.1 | 69.1 | 1.6 | 4.5 | 6.1 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 12.9 |
| 2021-22 | WAS | 66 | 33 | 45.2 | 34.1 | 71.2 | 1.1 | 7.4 | 8.5 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 17.1 |
| 2022-23 | WAS | 64 | 35 | 44.8 | 33.3 | 73.0 | 0.9 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 0.5 | 21.2 |
| Total | 406 | 31 | 44.9 | 33.8 | 72.5 | 1.1 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 16.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
