Kyle Kuzma Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Kuzma's latest comments display a budding leadership quality

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/16/24

The Washington Wizards have won 11 of their 66 games this season. They hold one of the worst records in the NBA. As a rebuilding team, their struggles were expected. However, there has been little sign of growth throughout an undoubtedly challenging season. Yet, on March 10, the Wizards recorded their best win of the season so far, securing a 110-108 win over the Miami Heat. Back-to-back losses have followed.

During his post-game news conference following his team's loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Kyle Kuzma berated his team's inability to show consistent improvement.

“It’s been the story all year, I think when we take a step forward, we take three steps back," Kuzma said. "It all factors down to our care factor on a night in, night out basis. Are we going to be competitors? Do we care about that? That’s just been us to a T all year.”

Kuzma is arguably the Wizards' best player. He's the ideal secondary or tertiary star for a contending team. Yet his skillset isn't designed for him to be the focal point of an offense. Perhaps that's why Jordan Poole appeared to carry so much pressure when he first arrived in Washington. Fortunately, he's found his role as the team's sixth man.

Despite the Wizards' imbalanced roster construction this season, Kuzma has grown into a leadership role. His comments following their loss to the Rockets illustrate a player who understands the value he brings to the locker room. Kuzma, 28, is in his seventh NBA season. He understands what it takes to win in the league, so it's highly unlikely he will be satisfied with his team's performance this season.

NBA careers are short. Kuzma is firmly in his prime. He won't want to waste that on a team that isn't showing signs of development and growth. Whether his teammates in Washington are willing to embrace his leadership is another question. If the locker room pushes back on his attempt to guide them, we may see Kuzma looking for the exit once the postseason arrives.

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