Ever so often, Kyle Kuzma is being called out in practice and games by their head coach Doc Rivers due to his decision-making and shot selection.
The swingman came with the Milwaukee last season and played 33 games after being traded by the Washington Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson.
As coming from the Wizards, Rivers discussed that Kuzma’s habit of taking shots everywhere he wants is due to his time in Washington, where he had a different role for five years.
“For me, Kuz’s key is just his shot profile, getting that to where it should be,” said Rivers, via Eric Nehm. “In Washington, he could literally take any shot. In those five years in Washington, he took a ton of midrange shots, and that’s just not what we want and so he got the message.”
Although this was already a report a month ago, Kuzma was called out again during their game earlier against the Toronto Raptors.
Kuzma’s role with the Bucks
Despite poor shot selections, the 6-foot-8 forward possesses the skill set to make those shots; he just lacked the right timing to take them, considering that he is a former NBA champion and a first-team All-Rookie selection.
Kuzma’s value is very similar to that of Middleton, as they both have championships, but play different roles on each team that might create opportunities for adjustments, since the Bucks are more likely a system-driven team.
Probably, if Kuzma had stayed with the Los Angeles Lakers, he would have developed better timing for his scoring ability, as he would have been around more experienced veterans.
The Milwaukee are now have a 5-3 win-loss record, and if someone has to step up to maintain their consistency, it should be Kuzma, as he is taking on the role of Middleton, who became the backup scorer to Giannis back in the days when they won their first title.
The 30-year-old wing is averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 53.1% in seven games this early season.
