How will the addition of Kyle Kuzma help the Milwaukee Bucks? Kuzma figures to be a ceiling-raiser for a Bucks team that has had their struggles recently. The Bucks have a paltry 2-5 record in their last seven games and have been one of the worst defenses in the NBA during that stretch. Health issues have also been prevalent, as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and more have all missed time. But just how high can Kuzma help elevate this team? ESPNโs Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins weighed in with just an hour before the trade deadline.
Brian Windhorst Likes the Milwaukee Bucks Adding Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is on his way to Milwaukee in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a pick swap. Middleton has had himself a legendary Bucks career but has been on the decline, with poor performances and injury concerns plaguing him over the last few months.
Windhorst said that he felt the move was beneficial for Milwaukee. He contextualized the price it took to acquire Kuzma by mentioning a deal that fell through last season. In that instance, the Dallas Mavericks had agreed to send two first round picks to Washington in exchange for Kuz, but the trade then fell through. Windhorst noted that the price the Bucks paid was significantly cheaper.
Many Bucks fans were adamantly opposed to the thought of adding Kuzma as rumors swirled in the days leading up to the trade. Kuzma has been having the least efficient scoring season of his career and is points per game is sharply down from last year. However, Windhorst feels that Kuzma has the potential to have a significant rebound given the winning environment in Milwaukee.
Kendrick Perkins Had This to Say About Kyle Kuzma Joining the Milwaukee Bucks
Kendrick Perkins was even more excited about the move, calling Kuzma a โmassive upgradeโ over Middleton. Perkins was so bold as to say that Kuzma โdefinitely can be a third-option on a championship team.โ
The former NBA champion was entirely dismissive of Kuzmaโs struggles this season, citing the lack of stakes and absence of meaningful games as the reason Kuzma is so inefficient scoring the ball. Perkins expressed confidence in Kuzmaโs ability to be a much more efficient version of himself in Milwaukee, where he will be in a more supporting role.
Perkins finished by saying that Kuzma has demonstrated the ability to โrise to the occasionโ in the playoffs, citing his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his belief that a return to a winning culture will help Kuzma flourish.
Can the Bucks Retain Home Court Advantage Heading into the Playoffs?
The Bucks are currently in 5th place in the eastern conference, but ESPNโs panel discussion centered around if the Bucks could crack the top 3 in the East. Currently, Cleveland, Boston, and New York are the consensus top teams in the conference.
If Milwaukee enters that conversation, they will be one of only two teams there with championship experience. They have arguably the best player in the conference in Giannis, and if Kuzma can add something, they have a sort of big three there when factoring in Lillard.
Kuzma has always been a player with good size and athleticism. His rebounding has been solid and he is far from a pigeon on defense. If he can have a more consistent scoring output in a more reserve role, there is no doubt that he can make the Milwaukee Bucks better.
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