WASHINGTON Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma, also known off the court for his fashion sense and business acumen, looks forward to the coming 2024-2025 NBA season.
“We look like a great NBA team now, with me in there for the last four years,” said the 6’9” Kuzma, who is Manila to connect with Filipino fans. He was also the guest of honor at the “But First, Coffee Event”, which gave him a warm welcome at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium on Sunday.
The Wizards have acquired three key promising rookies in no. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, Carlton Carrington and Kyshawn George.
Kuzma said Sarr has shown “flashes of greatness.”
“I really love the direction that we’re going with our team right now. I love everybody on our team,” said Kuzma, during a huddle with scribes at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
Kuzma, who has won an NBA title in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers before he was traded to the Wizards, is known for his unique style off the court and in the catwalk when not playing ball.
He also boasts of an impressive collection of watches, from Rolex and Audemars Piguet to a one-of-a-kind De Bethune.
But on the court, he has managed to improve on his game, since his days with the Lakers as he has averaged 22.2 points last season, when the Wizards settled for fifth in the Southeast Division.
The Wizards will play their first game of the season on October 24 at home against the champion Boston Celtics.
And Kuzma looks forward to having a better season.
“My goal is to be better, and I want to help others be better players,” added Kuzma.
Off the court, Kuzma is also giving back through his nonprofit organization, the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, where he focuses on supporting single mothers, a mission inspired by his own upbringing.
“Just giving back. I think that’s super important,” said Kuzma.
