Kyle Kuzma's ending to the 2024-25 NBA season was devastating. Despite the forward completely collapsing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the postseason, NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor appears to be more forgiving than most fans in the 414. Here is what he had to say on the newest episode of the Hear District podcast.
“I think it’s fair to give him a pass for last season. It’s hard to go from losing from four straight years with no expectations to win, to suddenly starting having winning expectations.”
Bucks fans can only hope that Kuzma turns things around
Kuzma's lone playoff series was right up there with Grayson Allen's collapse back in 2022. He was a flat-out liability on the court, struggling to make an impact in any regard. He averaged 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 34.3 percent from the floor and 20 percent from distance. That included a game where he finished with zero points, zero rebounds, and zero assists.
Rightfully, Kuzma got benched, and many Milwaukee Bucks fans thought he would be the first player to be traded this summer. Instead, things are trending toward him coming back to join the team for a second season. If Kuzma is on the opening night roster, all the Bucks can do is hope that O'Connor's statement holds some weight and that the forward will be better next season.
Something that could give Milwaukee Bucks fans even a glimmer of hope is that Kuzma does have the tools to be what this roster needs. He's a long, athletic forward who can defend positions across the board and play in transition. This is also a player who averaged over 21 points over the prior pair of seasons. A player like that, when they're clicking, could be a needle-tipper.
The problem was that Kuzma didn't play like that at all. His defense was largely fine, but there were a handful of lapses or unnecessary gambles. Offensively, he oftentimes looked lost, and it started with his decision-making. He'd drive in for a layup and have no plan whether or not he wanted to shoot or pass, resulting in an ugly shot or a turnover most of the time.
The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need a more locked in Kyle Kuzma. If the forward plays like he did during the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 title run, there's a chance he could help Milwaukee reach the same end result. One could argue that Kuzma is the ultimate X-factor. He has likely heard all of the talk about how poorly he played, so he should have plenty of motivation.
With a full summer and training camp in Milwaukee under his belt, Bucks fans can only hope that their big trade deadline acquisition is better.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.