Kyle Kuzma isn’t perfect fit, but can be very valuable in Milwaukee

Bucks GM Jon Horst called the trade of Khris Middleton the hardest move of his career. Middleton was imperative to the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship, and he litters numerous Bucks’ categories on the all-time lists. He was with the Bucks since 2013 and grew up in the league with Giannis and formed a bond with the face of the Bucks’ franchise.

The Bucks traded Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. The Bucks also put 2024 first-round pick AJ Johnson into the deal. The deal put the Bucks under the second apron which opens up future moves this offseason by allowing the Bucks to match salaries rather than just one-for-one deals.

The Bucks could have gotten under the second apron by dealing a Pat Connaughton. However, It’s clear teams had zero interest in

While the trade stung and there are concerns about the return, Kyle Kuzma can be valuable in Milwaukee, though he isn’t an ideal fit. With Giannis and Bobby Portis also mainly 4s and Brook Lopez at the 5 there could be a logjam for minutes. However, he does check a few boxes, including his rebounding ability and playing the 3 or 4. I think it’s pretty clear, Kuzma is better as a 4.

• Antetokounpo has averaged 21.2 points in the paint, the most for any player in the last 25 seasons. But as a team, the Bucks rank 28th in points in the paint, both per game (43.0) and per 100 possessions (42.8). Only 56% of Bucks possessions, the league’s lowest rate, have come with a paint touch, according to Second Spectrum tracking.

Also, the Bucks know Middleton and have medical personnel working with him a ton. I have a feeling they told the Bucks it was unwise to depend on Middleton to get to a healthy point this season. Kuzma could give the Bucks some slash and paint points that is largely nonexistent outside of Giannis. It will be interesting to see how Kuzma fits with Giannis when he returns from a calf injury.

Giannis playing the 5 with Kuzma at the 4 or a jumbo lineup with three 6-9 or taller guys could be interesting. Kuzma is shooting just 42.3% from the field and has hit just 4 of 18 3-pointers in his first four games with the Bucks. Giannis hasn’t played in any of those games. Kuzma is providing 8.5 rebounds per game, though, and has attacked the rim averaging over 6 FTA per game.

Yes, we are just four games into the Kyle Kuzma in Milwaukee era. Also, Giannis hasn’t played yet, but Kuzma has a -6.8 NET Rating currently with the Bucks, meaning the Bucks are nearly 7 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the court.