Kyle Kuzma has been labeled as an empty stats player for years, but he has the perfect chance to prove that stereotype wrong in the absence of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have relied on him to bring more energy and impact after trading for him last season, but he hasn't lived up to that hope so far. Without Giannis, his contributions will be even more important for team success.
Kuzma needs to step up without Giannis
In the Bucks' last six games without Giannis, Kuzma has scored at least 13 points in five of them. He's showing that he has the ability to take on a bigger scoring role when needed, but it isn't translating to wins. Unfortunately, even when Kuzma does increase his scoring load, the Bucks' lack of another star besides Giannis makes it difficult to win games.
If Kuzma can score efficiently in this period without Giannis, he can reverse the public opinion of his game. Ryan Rollins has become the de facto first option, but he's still very young and inexperienced when it comes to dealing with defensive pressure. Kuzma, on the other hand, has actually been a focal point previously during his time on the Wizards.
He can use that expertise to mentor Rollins and thrive in a secondary role. Kuzma is taking advantage of lesser defensive attention this season to shoot 50 percent from the field, the highest percentage of his career. He's been more selective with his shots and scored within the flow of the offense.
To elevate the team further in Giannis' absence, Kuzma will need to contribute in less glamorous areas, too. Without the superstar scoring talent of Giannis, the Bucks will need to improve their defense, and Kuzma needs to play a part in that. He hasn't been considered a strong defender for many seasons, but he still has the physical tools to guard the power forward position effectively.
Additionally, Giannis' absence leaves a big rebounding gap for the Bucks. Giannis is leading the team by far in rebounding this season, with other bigs struggling on the glass. Kuzma can provide a much-needed boost as a forward in a time of need. Asserting himself with more physicality will be a necessity for Kuzma to play a winning role.
If Kuzma and the other Bucks can't pull it together, they might already have seen the last of Giannis as a teammate. The importance of players like Kuzma stepping up now doesn't just have ramifications for their personal narratives, but also the future of the franchise. Giannis' decision on whether or not he stays with the Bucks comes down to how his supporting cast can perform, both with and without him.