Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is just catching his breath. In his return to the court on Monday, the colorful veteran recorded nine points, three assists, and one steal in 20 minutes — modest numbers by his standards. However, following their loss to the New York Knicks, he was able to see at least one positive.
Wizards Trade Candidate Kyle Kuzma Believes Absence Changed Him
“It was a lot of solitude,” Kuzma says of his month-long absence, “which was great for me. It’s honestly probably one of the best times in my life… I learned a lot, got stronger, got my body right.”
Kyle Kuzma describes his injury rehab, says he broke a rib and at first had trouble breathing for a few days.
Kuz also explained how he learned a lot about himself while sitting out. pic.twitter.com/MTkWL3ERQ2
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) December 31, 2024
Asked by reporters what he learned and how he’s grown, the 29-year-old replies: “Just as a person, having patience, one of the bigger things I don’t have enough of… I think being in that situation really allowed me to embrace that. Then also just learning a little about the body, anatomy, and just the respiratory system. Breaking a rib, (I) couldn’t breathe for a couple of days.
Role Reversal
The Washington Wizards don’t have much to be happy about on New Year’s Eve. At 5-25, they have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst in the league as a whole.
It’s almost ironic considering the way Kuzma took a shot at his home state the Detroit Pistons. The veteran infamously tweeted out “at this point it’s like ‘don’t be that team’” in Dec. 2023, referring to being the team that lost to the Pistons amid their 28-game losing streak. Now, the Pistons are 14-18 after winning 14 total games last season, Pistons rising star Cade Cunningham actually feeling empowered after hitting rock bottom.
While Detroit is taking the next step forward in their rebuild, Washington appears to have taken a step backwards. Considering the fact they were 6-26 at this point in time last season, it’s actually rather jarring.
On the one hand, Jordan Poole has had a bounceback season. The 25-year-old is averaging team-highs of 21.3 points and 1.6 steals per game, all while converting 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts. 2023 No. 7 pick Bilal Coulibaly is averaging career-highs of 13.3 points and 3.7 assists per game as he grows more comfortable making plays on-ball. Justin Champagnie, who the Wizards signed to a two-way contract, is also putting up career numbers.
On the other hand, veterans like Kuzma are playing below their capabilities. At the same time, a rookie class led by 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr is going through growing pains. The Wizards may have expected to be a lottery team this season but a more competitive one. The product that they’re putting on the floor right now leaves much to be desired.
Whether Kuzma still wants to be part of their rebuild is unknown. However, if he stays healthy and gains momentum on the court, he might be on the first train out of town. A player that multiple contenders have considered trading for, he just has to show them how he can be their missing piece.
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