Five years ago, while speaking to Bleacher Report's Tyler Conway, Kyle Kuzma said that if he were to play a consistent role, he believed he could be an All-Star and average 25 points a night. Five years have passed, and that still hasn't come to fruition. After a rocky couple of seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, this could be a great opportunity for Kuzma to finally make this bold claim come to fruition.
"I definitely can [be an All-Star and average 25 points]. I definitely believe that, too. I don't really care what nobody thinks or says. I know myself, and I know my ability. It's hard to be consistent in an inconsistent role. I'm excited for a more consistent space next year."
Kuzma might have a great opportunity with Bucks
Kuzma and Doc Rivers never seemingly saw eye to eye over the last season and a half. One night, the forward would be a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks, only to not play the next night. It's hard for one to perform well when they are constantly being yanked around the rotation and have no idea how much they will be needed that night. Kuzma has his flaws, but that certainly didn't help.
Suddenly, though, all of that has been flipped on its head. Not only is Doc Rivers gone, but there is a glaring hole at Milwaukee's power forward spot after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. Someone must look to fill his shoes, and Kuzma feels like the best bet right now. Jenkins could offer him the biggest opportunity he has had in years. Could it be enough to finally back up his claim?
Kuzma faces an uphill, yet possible, climb
The odds of Kuzma finally backing up his claim are slim. If he were to do it, his best shot came when he was with the Washington Wizards and basically had control of the entire offense. He came close on the scoring part during the 2023-24 season, averaging 22.2 points. This could be his best chance to silence the doubters and finally make the All-Star leap.
Kuzma's biggest obstacle will be Tyler Herro, another player looking to showcase what he can do in a bigger role. After being a complementary piece in Miami for years, Herro looks poised to become the Milwaukee Bucks' go-to option. He's going to get a significant chunk of the shots, and if anyone on the roster will get an All-Star nod, Herro should be the early favorite.
The forward's already far-fetched All-Star odds will be all but crushed if the Milwaukee Bucks acquire Peyton Watson. They are firmly in the hunt for the Denver free agent, who would immediately snatch the starting power forward spot from Kuzma. For the time being, though, it appears that Kuzma will be the starter.
There's no telling how the rotation shakes out, but until further notice, Kuzma is staring down at least an opportunity to finally follow through with his claim.
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