Kyle Kuzma recently revealed that he was “surprised” when he was traded to the Washington Wizards instead of the Sacramento Kings.
Speaking to fubo Sports, Kuzma said he thought the rumored trade between the Kings and Los Angeles Lakers that caused Buddy Hield to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis was a closed deal.
“That [improperio]it was done, “he said, referring to Hield’s exchange.” But then out of nowhere, you know, [el intercambio]He says, ‘You’re going to Washington.’ He was very excited, obviously, because it was a better situation. [Sacramento] it would have been fun, I would have gone crazy for sure, that’s how I think. ”
Kuzma continued: “But having the opportunity to play with [Bradley] Beal, someone who’s trying to really be a winner in this league because he’s a killer, man, he led the league in scoring for several years, [creo]he was second this year. It’s just a perfect opportunity. There are a lot of guys who have shoulder problems, they’re all ready to prove something. That’s when something can be special. ”
Kuzma was the centerpiece in the trade that brought Russell Westbrook from the Wizards to the Lakers as they desperately needed to fill the void at their point guard position.
Many thought the Westbrook trade wasn’t ideal as questions revolved around whether he was the point guard they needed and viewers preferred having Hield over the 32-year-old.
As for Kuzma, going to Washington can do wonders for your career, as the spotlight will not be as bright as it was in Los Angeles.
Since James and Davis joined the Lakers, Kuzma’s development as a player was pushed sideways in favor of the championships and his stats suffered.
In the past two seasons, Kuzma averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.5 blocks and steals per game in a sixth-man role.
Kuzma is expected to come off the bench again with the Wizards as they look to further develop Rui Hachimura.
However, with the lack of the pressures of winning a championship, it wouldn’t be difficult to see him, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell, become a key player for the Wizards as they aim for a possible postseason this season.
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