The Milwaukee Bucks made one of the most unpopular trades in recent memory last season, sending franchise icon Khris Middleton (and promising rookie AJ Johnson) to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma and a second round pick. Middleton struggled with injuries for several seasons prior to the trade, and his immense salary was one Milwaukee was looking to offload.
But Kuzma was not the high-quality player Bucks fans were hoping to get in return for Middleton as he averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45/33/66 from the floor.
Over this past offseason, many Bucks fans wanted Milwaukee to trade Kuzma, but the team either did not attempt to or did not find any suitable offers. With him returning to the team, many fans feared that he would continue to struggle or hold the rest of the team back with his limited shooting skills.
On the contrary, though, Kuzma has been a pleasant surprise this season, and fans are taking notice.
Milwaukee Bucks fans are impressed with Kyle Kuzma
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots over Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Though he has been a starter for the vast majority of his entire nine-year career, head coach Doc Rivers chose to bring Kuzma off the bench this season. For the most part, the role has suited Kuzma, who is looking to score less and facilitate more. Additionally, he is showing improved prowess on defense, averaging 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, both of which are career highs.
On Friday night, however, Kuzma was inserted into the starting lineup in the hope that increased length would help the Bucks rebound better. The result was a superb 29-point and 10-rebound performance from Kuzma, who had fans buzzing on social media both during and after the game:
Bucks really rehabbed kyle kuzma into being a reliable player wow
— Obi (@ObiCaps) November 15, 2025
Kyle Kuzma has been genuinely phenomenal for the last two weeks for the Bucks, and has been so once again tonight, adding on to an already outstanding performance with that clutch bucket. Incredible development.
— Calvin Wille (@CalvinWille) November 15, 2025
On the bright side: this is by far the best version of Kyle Kuzma we have seen during his 9-year NBA career.
Doing so many good things on both ends. What a difference a year can make.
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) November 15, 2025
dare i say kyle kuzma has been playing good…
— ashlyn victoria ◡̈ (@AshlynKonieczka) November 15, 2025
Despite playing a career-low 26.6 minutes per game so far this season, Kuzma is still averaging 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He is also shooting an improved 54/32/80 from the floor.
If he continues to play at this high of a level all year long, it will spell good things for the Bucks on both ends of the floor.
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