Kyle Kuzma had the best year scoring of his career last season. He bet on himself this offseason when he opted out to become a free agent. That bet turned into a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards. The franchise has made it clear that the 2020 NBA champion will be a center point on this team moving forward.
Kyle Kuzma Re-Signs with Washington Wizards
Proven Scorer
In 130 games since joining the Wizards in 2021, Kuzma has averaged 19.3 points per game including a career-high 21.2 last season. At the same time, Kuzma became the focal part of the offense. He complimented Kristaps Porzingis well and excels at making quick decisions. With Bradley Beal in and out of the lineup, Kuzma was sought after by teammates to score in clutch situations.
Kuzma had a career-high 9 games where he scored more than 30 points and another 29 scoring 20 or more. He’s calm in high-pressure moments and demands the ball. The additions of Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole should create more opportunities for Kuzma to be effective. The high pick-and-roll opportunities with either player are intriguing to the game plan. Twice in Kuzma’s career, he shot over 36% from three-point range. A true play-making point guard like Tyus Jones should help Kuzma get back to that range.
New Reign in Washington
Kuzma was part of a championship core of role players in 2020, helping the Los Angeles Lakers to the title. After being traded to the Wizards in 2021, Kuzma has upped his scoring output. As stated above, the Wizards have been busy during this offseason. Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole are among the additions to the team. Beal and Porzingis were the big names to depart in blockbuster deals.
The new wave in Washington looks to set the pace from the opening tip. Poole excels in the fast break with his ability to score at all levels. Tyus Jones has a great vision of the court and makes winning decisions with the ball. Kuzma, along with Poole have the championship pedigree and now have to lead a young team that won’t have many expectations to start the season.
Last Word on Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma has been an integral part of the Wizards’ blueprint. He’s now getting paid like a cornerstone franchise player. It’s up to him and his new running mates Jones and Poole to help Washington get back to the playoffs after missing out each of the last two seasons.
