The Kyle Kuzma experiment did anything but go according to plan for the Milwaukee Bucks last year. Now, with all signs trending toward the forward running it back with Milwaukee next season, the best course of action is not utilizing him as a starter like he was previously, but instead bringing him off the bench to serve as a reserve. That could be the best spot for him to regain his footing.
Bucks need a rejuvenated Kuzma, and this could help
Kuzma faced a lot of adversity last season, coming aboard via trade late in the season and battling injuries in the playoffs. However, what didn't help was Doc Rivers playing him out of position, using him a small forward rather than his traditional power forward, and asking him to do much more than what he should have been.
Playing Kuzma at his natural position has proven to work. During the 2019-20 NBA season, when he helped the Los Angeles Lakers win it all, Kuzma played just nine percent of his regular season time at small forward. In the playoffs, that jumped up to 30 percent, but he was still at his natural position for 70 percent of the time. He looked comfortable in that role and was a key piece in the title run.
In Milwaukee last season, Kuzma played 43 percent of his minutes at small forward, which was the second-highest percentage of his entire career. In the NBA Playoffs, though just a small five-game sample size, the forward logged an astounding 94 percent of his minutes at the three. It's clear why he looked so uncomfortable even beyond just the nagging injury.
In addition to playing his natural position, Kuzma didn't start in any of the 21 playoff games the Lakers went through to secure that title. He should be Giannis Antetokounmpo's backup, not someone who plays next to him constantly, in other words. It could be the best way to bring out the old Kuzma.
There's absolutely room for a Kyle Kuzma redemption arc after last year's disaster. He's never been an elite player, but he's better than the player who suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Having that player on the court once again might start with bringing him off the bench. It's a sacrifice he must be willing to make for the betterment of the team and himself next season.
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