WASHINGTON Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma, also known off the court for his fashion sense and business acumen, is looking forward to the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
“We look like a big NBA team now, with me being there for four years,” said Kuzma, who is 6-foot-10 and came to Manila to meet 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 acquired three key promising rookies: No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, Carlton Carrington and Kyshawn George.
Kuzma said Sarr had shown “flashes of greatness.”
“I really like the direction our team is going right now. I like everyone on our team,” Kuzma said, during a meeting with scribes at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
Kuzma, who won an NBA title in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Wizards, is known for his unique style off the court and on the podium when he’s not playing ball.
He also has an impressive watch collection, ranging from Rolexes and Audemars Piguets to a one-of-a-kind De Bethune.
But on the court, he has managed to improve his game since his debut with the Lakers, as he averaged 22.2 points last season, when the Wizards settled for fifth place in the Southeast Division.
The Wizards will play their season opener on October 24 at home against the champion Boston Celtics.
And Kuzma is hoping for a better season.
“My goal is to become better and I want to help others become better players,” Kuzma added.
Off the field, Kuzma is also involved in his nonprofit organization, the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, where he focuses on supporting single mothers, a mission inspired by his own upbringing.
“I just want to give back. I think it’s very important,” Kuzma said.
