Returning to the playoffs will be the number one objective for the Wizards this season, Kyle Kuzma told Mike DeStefano of Complex. The team has been stockpiling young players recently, including No. 10 pick Johnny Davis in this year’s draft. Although there’s plenty of talent on hand, Washington regressed in Wes Unseld Jr.‘s first year as head coach, falling to 35-47 after reaching the postseason the year before.
“It’s all about getting to the playoffs. That’s my mindset,” Kuzma said. “The NBA’s always better when you can win. We probably had one of the more talented teams that Wizard fans and the DMV’s (DC, Maryland and Virginia) seen in recent years and we have to figure it out, take that leap, and start playing winning basketball. That’s the most important thing that we have to do.”
Kuzma’s interview took place at New York Fashion Week and focuses mainly on clothing, including some of his more memorable outfits. He also talks about his favorite throwback jerseys, including the Wizards’ versions from the Michael Jordan era.
There’s more from Washington, D.C.:
- The Wizards’ starting lineup appears mostly set with training camp getting underway next weekend, but there will be a competition to determine who starts at small forward, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Hughes says Will Barton, who was acquired from the Nuggets in an offseason trade, appears to be the favorite, citing his experience and his familiarity with Unseld from their time together in Denver. Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, Rui Hachimura and maybe even Davis will also be in the mix.
- Newly acquired Monte Morris and Delon Wright will be the only two veteran point guards in camp, Hughes adds in the same story. General manager Tommy Sheppard said Bradley Beal and Davis may see some time at the position, and Davion Mintz could be used there if he makes the roster.
- The Wizards haven’t posted a winning record in five seasons, but they also haven’t fully bottomed out and tried to rebuild, notes Josh Robbins of The Athletic. He credits that decision to owner Ted Leonsis, who proclaimed nearly four years ago that the organization would never tank. Robbins believes the Wizards missed an opportunity by not trading Beal when his value was at its highest.
Probably the worst team drafting in the past 5 years. Got a bunch of bench level guys with top 10 picks.
Agreed. I am looking at the roster and all I am seeing is wasted draft picks.
When you pick where they 10-15 most of those years you rarely get a star. You need. Top 3 to maybe 5th to get a impact player in most drafts. Most of the players picked t right before or after them aren’t stars either.
Will Kuzma ever reach his potential? Probably goin to take a 4/72 to find out after this year
I feel he has another level, probably one you will have to pay for before fully recognizing. All players need a good fit but Kuzma Really does as his confidence/role seems to directly correlate to his on-court productivity more than other players . Hope he keeps that in mind next off-season and doesn’t just take the biggest bag
I really like this Washington Wizards roster. I think it’s the best I’ve seen since John Wall and Bradley Beal was both healthy in the 2017-2018 season.
Kyle Kuzma can be very solid. I think the main thing is he needs to be consistent. On both ends of the floor. I actually think Rui Hachimura should get to start at Small Forward and Will Barton will be best as the 6th man. He’s a two & three and always rubbed me as a 6th man.
I think Johnny Davis should mainly play in the G League and work on skill set. With Bradley Beal signing for 5 years and with a no trade clause he’s going to have to learn how to play Point Guard eventually. That’s going to take him some time because he doesn’t really have that type of skill set. I think Wes Unseld Jr. can get the most out of this roster.
Starters
SF Rui Hachimura
PF Kyle Kuzma
C Kristaps Porzingis
SG Bradley Beal
PG Monte Morris
Bench
SG Will Barton
SF Deni Avdija
SF Corey Kispert
PG Delon Wright
C Daniel Gafford
SG Johnny Davis
C Taj Gibson
Kyle Kuzma will probably get a 4years $72 million or 4 years $80 million but I’m not sure he’s going to get it from the Washington Wizards. They have so many forwards that they drafted in the top 10 on the roster and will eventually want to turn them loose.
Really don’t like this Wizards team.
Just so average and steeled on being that way.
Beal stayed for the money, he’s knows this team ain’t doing anything and he didn’t even put pressure on them to get better like Dame did in Portland.
KP is nice as a third star not a second.
Kuzma is just Kelly Oubre 2.0, better offensively just, slightly worse defensively and more diva ish.
Then you have Barton, good bench player, average starter and a bunch of average young guys.
The owner and Beal should’ve been putting pressure on this team to make a trade and be better. Kyrie would’ve been cool, Ben Simmons would make sense, etc etc. Even approach a rebuilding team like the Jazz and offer young players for vets that’ll win you more games.
Mike Conley would be an upgrade, Jarred Vanderbilt would be a good addition even Jordan Clarkson would atleast be a step up. He’d suit a bench role and get on amazingly with Kuzma in the locker room.
This team just seems happy do be doing nothing and going no where
Agreed on all points. This is just a bunch of dudes slapped together.
Porzingis has actually played NBA basketball in February, or later, I think once (last year) and maybe twice in his career. Pencil him in for 25-40 missed games.
Will Barton was not very good for Denver last year.
Atleast if they had moved for a Ben Simmons or Kyrie you could see some direction and hope.
Kyrie and Beal would be a really hard to stop backcourt and would be like a Dame and CJ copy but in the easy.
Ben Simmons well he would add a ball handler, an elite defender and could envision the team around him. Beal as the go to scoring option, Kuzma or KP the the 3rd piece.
But no they are just contempt on being meh