The impact that Kyle Kuzma can have on the Milwaukee Bucks, NBA championship contenders

Kyle Kuzma spent three and a half seasons suffering with the Washington Wizards, on a team destined to constantly lose. The NBA champion had not experienced a winning streak since his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, things have drastically changed as he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last week in exchange for Khris Middleton. He is back to playing for something and is far from the state of basketball in recent years. In his new franchise, he will compete for championships.

The Lakers have parted ways with several young and talented players since LeBron James headed to Hollywood in 2018. Kuzma was one of them, though not before experiencing the glory of winning a title. Kuzma's impact on the Lakers' 2020 championship was evident, and he was becoming a reliable player. Unfortunately, the Lakers decided to chase after big stars, and signing Russell Westbrook in 2021 meant Kuzma's departure. In Washington, Kuzma didn't win much, but he did grow.

Now, in Milwaukee, Kuzma has the opportunity to play again for a winning team and organization. Not to mention, he gets to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, another champion, and Damian Lillard. Kuzma's time in Washington is over, and his time with the Bucks is beginning. How does it feel to be back on a winning team? Kuzma shared his thoughts with Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

"It has been four years. It seems like a long time. But I was in a different space when I went to Washington. I had already won a championship, so when I arrived in Washington, it was like, okay, let me find myself, let me find my game, let me see how good I can be, let me see what I can improve. And I did that. And now, I'm back in a winning situation, and that's what it's about. Obviously, I've been craving the opportunity to compete at a high level."

Kuzma's Impact for the Bucks

Despite Giannis being their centerpiece and Kuzma being a clear upgrade over Middleton, the Bucks' championship chances largely depend on Lillard. His offensive production and shooting will either lift or hinder Milwaukee in the playoffs. Kuzma joins the already impressive veteran supporting cast of the Bucks with Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. What Kuzma brings that Middleton doesn't is youth and durability. Kuzma doesn't miss many games overall, whereas this has been a significant factor in Middleton's game since the Bucks won their championship in 2021.

It's also crucial to consider Kuzma's mindset in this scenario. He is in a winning team, in a winning organization, where anything short of a Finals appearance is a failure. The pressure increases, but for Kuzma, who hasn't recently played under pressure, it's the perfect situation. All the growth Kuzma underwent in Washington can now be mirrored in Milwaukee. With winning as the main goal, Kuzma is right back where he was in Los Angeles. Only now, he has Giannis and Dame as his battle companions, something to be happy about.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El impacto que puede tener Kyle Kuzma en unos Milwauckee Bucks candidatos al anillo NBA