Kyle Kuzma has found himself starting and coming off the bench on a game-to-game basis, but it has become clear that he plays his best off the bench. As the Milwaukee Bucks continue their search for an ideal, go-to starting unit, they must keep Kuzma firmly on the bench. Something about using him as a reserve brings the best out of him.
Bucks need Kuzma, and he plays his best off the bench
The numbers paint a clear picture. In nine games as a starter, Kuzma has averaged 12.3 rebounds, 5.7 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 41.6 percent from the floor, including 25 percent from the perimeter. In 10 games off the bench, he's put up 14.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while sinking 60.2 percent of his shots, including 39.4 percent from distance.
Though Kuzma isn't producing as much as a rebounder or passer when he comes off the bench, he is much better as a scorer.
When he starts, Kuzma often plays like he has to pick up the slack for who is out of the lineup, which is typically Giannis Antetokounmpo. He rushes shots, trying to finish hectic drives in traffic or knock down heavily contested jumpers. It's often frustrating. When he comes off the bench, Kuzma plays more of a complementary role. He cuts, attacks the hoop, and cuts back on the contested jumpers.
The team has more success when Kuzma comes off the bench as well. The Bucks are just 2-7 when he starts compared to 6-4 when he comes off the bench. Of course, that record isn't solely due to when Kuzma checks into the game, as injuries, mainly to Giannis, have been a prominent factor, but it has certainly played a part. The team looks better when Kuzma is the go-to substitute.
It made some level of sense to give Kuzma a trial run as a starter due to Milwaukee's lack of size at the small forward spot. However, it's crystal clear that Kuzma plays his best basketball when he's listed at power forward, his natural position. When he's at the three in a lineup with Giannis and Myles Turner on a nightly basis, it simply makes things far more awkward than they need to be.
With Giannis back from his groin strain, Doc Rivers has gone back to the lineup he used to open the NBA season, which features Gary Trent Jr. at the three. That group hasn't been perfect, but it makes sense to keep Kuzma at his natural spot.
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