Kyle Kuzma started for the Milwaukee Bucks for most of the games he played in after coming aboard last season. While the forward had plenty of shortcomings, one thing he did exceptionally well was hit his perimeter shots off passes from Giannis Antetokounmpo. If a player earns a significant role next to the Greek Freak, doing so is a necessity. Kuzma must do it again if he receives the nod.
The Bucks need Kyle Kuzma to space the floor for Giannis
After the trade, Kuzma shot just 33.3 percent from deep with the Milwaukee Bucks. While his overall numbers were subpar, his success courtesy of Giannis was undeniable. In the regular season, he hit 17 of his 28 perimeter shots (60.7 percent) off dishes from Giannis. The next closest players on the list were Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. Kyle Kuzma made eight triples each off their passes.
It's been discussed often over the years, but the gravitational force Giannis commands on defense often leaves shooters open. Even poor 3-point shooters thrive when playing next to the two-time MVP because of just how open they find themselves. The numbers indicate that it is true for Kuzma as well. The Milwaukee Bucks need that again if he's going to be out there, especially in big moments.
If Kuzma is hitting these shots, it certainly makes it easier to have him on the floor despite his blunders when it comes to driving at the hoop or pull-up shot selection. If he's not hitting them, his other flaws become all the more apparent, and it will be hard to play him at all, which is exactly why he got sent to the bench in the NBA Playoffs.
It's a role Kuzma has played well in the past. In 2019-20, when he was with the Lakers, Kuzma buried 41.5 percent of his triples off passes from LeBron James. The following year, it was 42.5 percent. To succeed alongside a star who loves getting to the hoop, players have to hit their outside shots when the defenses collapse. If Kuzma can keep this up, he can make an impact.
To get the best out of Kuzma, some, including this writer, believe that the best way to utilize him is by bringing him off the bench so he can play his natural position of power forward. However, it's not clear if Doc Rivers feels the same way. If the Milwaukee Bucks do indeed start Kuzma once more, he has a lot to clean up, but one thing that must remain consistent is his shooting when paired with Giannis.
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