Just one week into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Washington Wizards are already suffering setbacks. According to the team’s official X account, forward Kyle Kuzma suffered a groin injury during the team’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Furthermore, the team has already ruled him out for tonight’s rematch in Atlanta, and he could miss future games as well.
Injury Update: Kyle Kuzma sustained a right groin strain in the fourth quarter of last night’s game in Atlanta. Kuzma’s recovery status will be updated as appropriate.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 29, 2024
Through the first three games, Kuzma is averaging 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Though his shooting percentages are bad to begin the season (32.7% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc), Kuzma had a solid game against Monday, scoring 25 points and shooting 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. Amidst his slow start, Kuzma and the Wizards are just 1-2 to begin the new campaign.
Washington Wizards Star Suffers Injury, Will Miss Time
Kyle Kuzma’s Role With the Washington Wizards
Entering his fourth season in Washington, the 29-year-old remains one of the top players on the team. However, for the past year, he has been a popular trade candidate. Though nothing is imminent, it seems that a Kuzma trade is possible down the line. This is in large part due to Kuzma not completely fitting the team’s timeline.
The Wizards have only made one playoff appearance since 2019 and are unlikely to break that streak this season. There is a lot to like in Washington, especially their young players Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr (though his rookie season is off to a slow start). However, they are a rebuilding team and will remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings for the foreseeable future. Trading Kuzma for draft picks or other young players is a legitimate possibility. Until that happens, though, he remains a top player for them.
The Last Word On Kyle Kuzma and Injuries
It is unknown how many games Kuzma is expected to miss. Regardless, in his absence, the team will rely more heavily on Coulibaly, Marvin Bagley, and rookie Kyshawn George. Furthermore, Kuzma’s injury is not the only one the Wizards are currently dealing with. Saddiq Bey and Malcolm Brogdon, who both joined the team this past offseason, have yet to suit up for the Wizards this season.
Bey suffered an ACL injury while playing for the Hawks last season. He is still recovering from the injury, but he does not have a concrete timetable for his return. It is expected that he will return at some point this season, likely after the new year. As for Brogdon, he underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this month. Like Bey, he does not have a concrete timetable. However, he will likely return at some point in November.
The Wizards remain a bottom team in the league, but it is important to remember they have numerous rotation players out of action. When they make their return, the Wizards could become an interesting team to monitor for the rest of the season.
