Kyle Kuzma will absolutely make some frustrating plays. Sometimes, all you can do is look at the TV and ask, "What was that?" Those are the moments that tend to go viral. Yet, for the most part, he has been solid for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, which has flown under the radar. Bobby Portis came to Kuzma's defense on a recent episode of FanDuel TV's Run It Back.
"Sometimes, my boy Kuz might have a bone-headed play or something that might go viral, but to me, in my opinion, he's sacrificed a lot. Making $24, $25 million, he did everything that the coaching staff wanted him to do... I've seen growth in Kuz this year."
"Kyle Kuzma might have a boneheaded play that goes viral. But in my opinion, he sacrificed a lot. ... I disagree with 9th-most overrated..who comes up with these lists?"@BPortistime defends his Bucks teammate 🤝@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/U5ifbvyPtj
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 9, 2026
Kuzma isn't the same player he was last season
Upon coming over last season, Kuzma knew he wouldn't be the center of attention like he was with the Washington Wizards. He adjusted, cutting back on shot attempts while playing complementary basketball. However, often, he slipped back into his old habits, jacking up a highly-contested shot or driving into the lane without an end goal, leading to frustrating moments.
This year, as Portis mentioned, there has been growth. He's not taking as many bad shots. He's been smarter with his selection, passing up looks he would have gleefully fired last season for a better shot to a teammate. The turnovers are down quite a bit compared to last season. He's playing more team basketball, and it's led to overall positive contributions.
One bad pass or airball will still certainly command the headlines, but Bucks fans know that those plays don't tell the whole story about Kuzma's play this season.
Kuzma has done whatever Bucks have asked
Last season, Kuzma started in 32 of his 33 regular-season games with Milwaukee. He was clearly the starting small forward for this team. This year, not so much. Kuzma has been yanked from one role to another all season long, starting in 33 of his 58 games. Whether he's started or come off the bench, he's adapted and not said a single word about it. That type of attitude is crucial.
The biggest problem with Kuzma is his contract. He's making $22.4 million this year and $20.3 million next season. It feels like that is where a lot of the frustration with him comes from. While a nice piece who has proven that he can help a team win a title, one could argue that he's a bit overpriced. Being traded for a franchise icon in Khris Middleton was always going to haunt him as well.
Despite all of the negative press he's received, Kuzma has been fine for the Milwaukee Bucks as of late. This team has issues, but the list certainly doesn't start with Kuz.
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