Kyle Kuzma is the biggest mid-season trade acquisition by the Milwaukee Bucks and he is instantly making his presence felt offensively.
He had to step up as Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out and Damian Lillard was absent in their last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The one-time NBA Champion has something to offer and support the league’s highest scoring duo.
However, for him, that is not where he can do most damage. It is on the defensive side.
“We just gotta hang our hat on. We have the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the league with our size and athleticism. I think the world is going to see that when we come after the break,” he told reporters after the Wolves win.
“I think that’s the biggest thing. You know, when we get Giannis back. We got Dame. We can score. They’re the highest scoring duo in the league. We just, all of us got to do our part, help them out.”
That size Kuzma talked about was previewed in the win against Minnesota wherein head coach Doc Rivers fielded Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Kuzma at the same time.
Kuz himself was also impressive on the individual defense, even went toe-to-toe with Anthony Edwards.
Rivers praises Kyle Kuzma’s transition game
Kuzma may be an underrated defender or maybe he was not utilized well in his last team.
His strength and size can intimidate players who want to penetrate the Bucks defense. If they do get past him, there’s Lopez and Antetokounmpo waiting.
That is yet to be seen. For now, his offense is what makes him critical to the team.
Rivers is excited about the possibility of him playing alongside Giannis who will return after the All-Star break because they can finally have a good transition offense.
“It was huge,” Rivers said.
“(Kuzma) and Giannis are two guys — I mean, it’s not like a lot of fours and threes or whatever they are (who) can do that in the league. And that was great to see Kuzma do it and fire it. Our guys, the more you do that, the more they run. When they think they have a guy that’s going to pass them the ball, they become Usain Bolt. They start flying down the floor, and you can see that today.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
