Wizards ahead Kyle Kuzma is hoping to play within the 2028 Olympics, and he’s keen to symbolize one other nation if he doesn’t land a spot with Workforce USA. In an interview with Blogdebasket, Kuzma talked about watching the U.S. win a gold medal in Paris final month and eager to be a part of that have.
“Taking part in for Workforce USA is my primary purpose, particularly within the Olympics,” he mentioned. “I had the chance to play for them in 2019 earlier than I broke my foot, however that dream continues to be very a lot alive. It’s the most effective of the most effective, and typically it’s even political. However I’m going to maintain working arduous and hopefully get an opportunity to symbolize my nation.”
Kuzma celebrated his twenty ninth birthday this summer time, so he’ll be 33 when the Olympic Video games return to Los Angeles in 4 years, seemingly making it his final likelihood to take part. Whereas the Flint, Michigan, native prefers to symbolize his native nation, he might think about different choices if that doesn’t occur.
“You already know, my primary purpose is to play for Workforce USA within the Olympics, 100% in 4 years,” Kuzma added. “However I may play with JC (Jordan Clarkson on the Philippines nationwide staff). I imply, if I didn’t play for the U.S. staff. That might be nice. I feel it’s actually cool that different gamers are going to different locations to play as a result of it’s very, very troublesome to play for Workforce USA.”
Kuzma is at the moment making ready for his eighth NBA season and his fourth with Washington. He’s one of many few veteran gamers on the Wizards, who’re within the midst of a youth motion and are prone to have one of many high picks in subsequent yr’s draft.
Kuzma’s long-term position with the franchise seems unsure. He’s coming off probably the greatest seasons of his profession — averaging 22.2 factors, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 70 video games — so he may have extra worth to a contender, and the entrance workplace could also be keen to half with him so as to add to its stockpile of draft belongings. Kuzma has three seasons remaining on the extension he signed final summer time, so he doesn’t have a lot leverage if he decides he’d reasonably play for a staff with a greater likelihood of successful.
Among the many different subjects Kuzma addressed within the interview was his admiration for Warmth president Pat Riley, though their paths have by no means crossed within the NBA.
“I’ve at all times appeared as much as Pat Riley, although I by no means had the prospect to play for him,” Kuzma mentioned. “I respect his method to basketball and his professionalism. After I’m off the court docket, I’m enjoyable and relaxed, however as soon as I get on the court docket, I’m very severe as a result of I really like basketball and it’s necessary to me. What Pat Riley has finished with the Warmth and all through his profession, from the Showtime Lakers to constructing the tradition of the Warmth, has at all times been one thing I’ve admired from afar.”
