Kyle Kuzma wants to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with Team USA... or with the Philippines

The player for the Washington Wizards dreams of representing his country in the upcoming Olympic event, where they will be the hosts, although he knows it will be very difficult.

Víctor LF | Wed, 09/11/2024 - 21:00
facebook twitter whatsapp Comentarios
Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is gearing up for his eighth season in the NBA and fourth with the Washington Wizards. The power forward has been following the feats of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and company at the 2024 Paris Olympics from afar. But he doesn't hide his dream of one day being there with Team USA, preferably at Los Angeles 2028, where they will be the hosts.

"Playing for the United States team is my number one goal, especially at the Olympic Games. I had the opportunity to play for them in 2019 before breaking my foot, but that dream is still very much alive. It's the best of the best, and sometimes even political. But I will keep working hard, and hopefully, I will have the opportunity to represent my country."

However, Kuzma does not rule out opting for another option to be at the Games. The 29-year-old player could join forces with Jordan Clarkson to play for the Philippines team. The Utah Jazz shooting guard was present at the 2023 World Cup and averaged 26 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 5 games he played.

"You know, my number one goal is to play with the United States team in the Olympic Games, 100% in four years. But I could play with JC (Jordan Clarkson, on the Philippines team). I mean, if I didn't play for the United States team. That would be great. I think it's really cool that other players go to other places to play because it is very, very difficult to play for the United States team."

Kuzma's admiration for Pat Riley

Lastly, he spoke about one of the most important figures in NBA history, Pat Riley. Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, displaying one of the most attractive styles of play ever seen in the basketball world. He then moved to the New York Knicks where he reached the Finals and had a very different style, based on defense and tough play. He continued with the Miami Heat, where he is still part of the franchise's leadership and has been involved in each of their 3 titles.

"I've always admired Pat Riley, even though I never had the chance to play for him. I respect his approach to basketball and his professionalism. When I'm off the court, I'm fun and relaxed, but once I step onto the court, I'm very serious because I love basketball, and it's important to me. What Pat Riley has done with the Heat and throughout his career, from the Showtime Lakers to building the Heat's culture, has always been something I've admired from a distance."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kyle Kuzma quiere jugar los Juegos Olímpicos de Los Ángeles 2028 con Team USA... o con Filipinas