Kyle Kuzma has had little to no stability during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. From being yanked in and out of the starting lineup to even randomly being benched, the power forward has remained a professional throughout. He could be rewarded for that this coming season, as he is now in a position to play his natural spot: power forward. That could play a part—even if small—in his bounce-back.
Kyle Kuzma can now slide back to his natural position
Per Basketball-Reference, Kuzma spent 74 percent of his minutes at power forward, 21 percent at small forward, and five percent at center during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. In three-and-a-half years with the Washington Wizards, Kuzma suited up as a power forward 84 percent of the time, while he played small forward five percent and center 11 percent of his minutes.
In Milwaukee, Kuzma has actually spent more time at small forward (49 percent of his minutes) than power forward (48 percent). This hasn't been the sole reason for his shortcomings, but it might have played a part.
When playing out of position, Kuzma gets tasked with guarding players who put him in a difficult spot defensively because they may be quicker or more agile. Offensively, Kuzma has primarily played out of position due to Giannis Antetokounmpo's presence. Two non-shooters in the same starting lineup made it hard for each of them to attack low as they like to do.
All of this has amounted to a very mediocre showing from Kyle Kuzma in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform. Now, though, the power forward has a chance to turn the tide.
Bucks roster offers Kyle Kuzma ideal opportunity
Giannis Antetokounmpo is gone. Bobby Portis has also departed. The power forward rotation is one of the Milwaukee Bucks' biggest weak points. As things stand, the team has Kuzma, Ousmane Dieng (who might be used at small forward), Pete Nance (who might not make the team), and two rookies in Nate Ament and Bogoljub Markovic. It couldn't be easier for Kuzma to snatch the role for himself.
No one is saying that Kuzma sliding to the four will suddenly make him an All-Star, but it couldn't hurt after all of the turmoil he's faced in green. A new coach, a bigger role, and the ability to play his natural position? Sounds like a recipe for a solid bounce-back season.
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