bucks must make obvious kyle kuzma change if he returns next season
if the milwaukee bucks want to be serious contenders next season, they can’t just run it back with the same exact formula—and that especially goes for kyle kuzma, if he ends up staying in town.
kuzma’s arrival in milwaukee brought mixed reactions. while he’s undeniably talented, his fit with the bucks was always going to be a question mark. on paper, he looked like a versatile forward who could stretch the floor, create his own shot, and take pressure off giannis antetokounmpo and damian lillard. in practice, though, things didn’t click the way fans hoped.
and now, the bucks find themselves at a crossroads. if kuzma returns next season, the team must make one thing absolutely clear: his role needs to change—dramatically.
no more iso-heavy, tunnel vision offense
first and foremost, kuzma cannot be allowed to hijack possessions with iso ball. it’s not that he’s incapable of scoring—he averaged solid numbers and had flashes of brilliance. but his tendency to stop the ball, force contested mid-range shots, and go rogue from the offensive system is the kind of thing that kills momentum.
the bucks’ offense already revolves around two superstars in giannis and dame. the rest of the roster needs to complement their styles, not compete with them. kuzma’s usage rate was higher than expected after arriving, and at times, it felt like he thought he was still the primary option from his washington wizards days.
if he’s going to stay in milwaukee, he needs to become a connector. that means moving without the ball, hitting open shots, making the extra pass, and letting the game come to him. it’s not flashy, but it’s what the bucks need from their supporting cast.
defense: from liability to reliable
let’s be honest—kuzma’s defense has been suspect. the bucks already have enough defensive question marks, especially with lillard’s known limitations on that end. pairing him with another inconsistent defender in kuzma only makes life harder for giannis and brook lopez (or whoever anchors the paint next year).
kuzma has the tools—size, length, mobility—but his effort and awareness come and go. too often, he’s caught ball-watching, late on rotations, or gambling for steals that leave the team exposed.
this offseason, the bucks’ coaching staff needs to drill into kuzma the importance of defensive accountability. there’s no reason he can’t become at least an average team defender. if he can buy into the concept of defensive discipline and put in the effort consistently, he can stay on the floor in big moments. if not, he’ll continue to be a liability in matchups against top-tier opponents.
become a true third or fourth option—not a wannabe star
it’s time for kuzma to embrace who he is on a contender. he’s no longer the young laker with endless upside or the guy carrying a tanking wizards team. he’s 29 years old now. what the bucks need is a dependable third or fourth option—not someone trying to play hero ball.
this means embracing nights when he scores 12 points but contributes in other ways. it means not forcing shots late in the clock or trying to take over when dame and giannis are on the floor. it means accepting a role that’s more about impact than spotlight.
the bucks don’t need kuzma to be a star. they need him to be a smart, efficient, versatile role player. if he can do that, he’ll increase the team’s ceiling. if he insists on playing like a first option, he’ll hold them back.
maximize his value in smaller lineups
one area where kuzma can thrive is in small-ball lineups. when the bucks go with giannis at the five, kuzma can slot in at the four, giving them a mobile, switchable frontcourt. he’s shown flashes of being a mismatch problem against slower bigs and a solid rebounder when engaged.
but again, it’s about role discipline. in these lineups, he needs to be active off the ball, hit open threes, crash the boards, and defend his position without over-helping or gambling.
the bucks could weaponize him in these looks if they tailor his usage and responsibilities carefully. it’s all about structure.
final thought: the clock is ticking
the bucks aren’t a young, rebuilding team. they’re in win-now mode with a small championship window—maybe two or three years max with giannis and lillard in their prime. they can’t afford to experiment too much or wait for players to figure it out mid-season.
so, if kyle kuzma is back next season, it has to be under a clearly defined, team-oriented role. the bucks must set expectations early: less isolation, more ball movement. more defense, fewer lapses. more impact, less flash.
if he buys in, he can be a valuable piece of a title contender.
if not, his minutes—and possibly his future in milwaukee—could fade fast.
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