In the interview I posted in the Pelinka thread, he mentions Kuzma having a rough upbringing in Flint Michigan and he was homeless for awhile.
Kuzma impressed me the most of anyone because I expected Ball to be good. He really made the most of his opportunity. And I know it's early but I do think Randle and Nance need to be looking over their shoulders for several reasons. He's a better shooter than both of them, has great chemistry with Lonzo, and I already thought there was a good chance we wouldn't resign Randle given our targets in free agency next year.
Kuzma is efficient on straight away threes...no fear in taking the shot. Cuts well too and can finish with either hand. Nearly had a turnover when his cross court pass hit the side of the board and led directly to Caruso at the top of the key. Too early to concede a larger role for him at the 4 even in reserve. Kuzma does not have Randle's physical tools to handle NBA caliber 4s which even the latter struggles at.
I've really thought of Kuzma being Ingram's backup at the small forward slot. He is mobile enough on defensive switches, rangy with active hands. He could thrive there with the second unit with Nance and Zu making up the rest of the front court.
When i first saw him i thought he could. Hes already doing it in summer league..lets not act like hes been guarding pure PFs out there.
Me too. Nothing but net on so many of his 3s. I want to see Simmons play now to compare the areas where he has advantages. Have a hunch Kuz's all around skills and strengths will compare well and help offset the areas where Ben is going to be brilliant.
Compare to see how much more of a further steal he was compared to Simmons? I like it. Id be scared if i were them.. Lonzo and Kuz are ahead of Simmons and Fultz right now.
No he really isn't. The players at the 4 in the SL could be end of the bench players if they latch on or not even on any team when the season starts. I do see him taking some meaningful minutes during the regular season. It has been noted by everyone that Kuzma and Ball have established a playing chemistry which Jones/Van Gundy brought up.
Yeah. Dude literally Zu is struggling cause hes going up against guys like Kuzma at times with more weight(Not that much). Its small ball and summer league in one lol. Kuz will play SF if Clark is moved or plays backup PG. Cause if not then you play Kuzma instead of Deng for potential and experience purposes IMO.
He's somewhere between a bigger, stronger Shawn Marion & a younger Barbosa with a bit of Pippen thrown in there for spice.. I like his game.. Hope it translates to the NBA.
I don't even know what to say about him anymore. If he's open he seems to make almost every 3 he takes. If he has a guy closing quick, he makes less, but that's not a knock. That one possession where he started going to the hoop, spun one way, then I think the other way, then found I believe it was Zu for the easy bucket, was awesome. If there is a summer league MVP, and we win the game tomorrow, he probably deserves it. Even when Ball goes out of the game he seems to be one of, if not the only guy that doesn't immediately fall apart.
Kuzma is making the most of his opportunity. I noticed today that Dallas was sending a second defender at him so he had to give it up. When things were getting tight, I was looking for Kuzma to take over win or lose.
Its almost a good thing that Lonzo and Kyle are looking like they are cause when theyre both on the court you cant stop both guys and theyre able to find the open guys. We have support summer league players like Thomas and Caruso. Another solid game by Vander... Gotta give him props and we can all stop laughing or praise and laugh lol. It's vanders bday tomorrow. Only turning 25... If he can play hungry D...
I dunno what to say about Kuz...he has been ballin' off limits. Absolutely no hesitation. I can't even find the perfect comparision for him because he is kind of unique. He reminds me of Melo sometimes but is hard to put in a box. Guys at his size that are versatile usually can't shoot but he has looked extremely comfortable with his shot. And passing, rebounding, etc... Also he has already shown marvelous chemistry with Ball. I'm not a guy to get excited about SL...but it seems like Randle and Nance have a legit reason to worry. Kuzma has a lot less holes in his game and looks really good out there. The annual Lakers steal in the draft lol.
has anyone ever improved their three point shot this much in this short a time period? i was writing it off to hot streak/small sample size, but it's spanned the entire summer league (and, i suppose, the pre-draft period and latter half of his college season). i'm still not sure which position he can play, but he's smart, hustles, and can hit the three. there's a place in the rotation for that.
