Kyle Kuzma during a press conference in Makati City as part of his Philippine Tour.–MELO FUERTES/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kyle Kuzma has been on an upward trajectory since joining the Washington Wizards in 2021.
Kuzma hopes to bring the Wizards with him on his road to progression after finishing with the second-worst record in the league last season at 15-67.
“It’s all about getting better as a team. That’s the most important thing for me right now,” said Kuzma during a press conference on Monday in Makati City.
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Kuzma on the NBA and players with their pre-game outfits. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/TwtTIYyyRO
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 26, 2024
“In the past few seasons, I’ve had career years and I’ve gotten better and better but winning a championship [is different]. I like to win. I felt how to win. Having career years is good but it’s not as fun if the people with you aren’t having career years as well.”
Kuzma certainly knows what it takes to win an NBA title after playing a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship run in 2020.
But after having a taste of his first title, Kuzma was shipped to Washington as part of the deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles.
The winning feeling has become a rarity for Kuzma since being traded to the Wizards, who have only reached the playoffs once in the past six seasons.
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While making the postseason would be big for Kuzma and the Wizards, the versatile forward doesn’t want to look too far ahead as he focuses on helping the team establish a winning culture first.
“I think this year’s all about building and helping others get better and that’s super important, trying to build a winning culture,” said Kuzma, who led the Wizards in scoring last season averaging 22.2 points per game.
“Last year was the first year of our rebuild, year two, we’re a young team with a lot of talent and good character guys.”
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Washington has been having a busy offseason with the acquisitions of reliable veterans Jonas Valanciunas and guard Malcolm Brogdon last month.
Two months ago, the Wizards, who also have Jordan Poole in their backcourt, selected French big Alex Sarr as the second overall pick in the 2024 draft.