By MARK REY MONTEJO
Washington Wizard forward Kyle Kuzma has no problem with PBA’s new innovation – the four-point shot.
Kuzma, who has made 33.7% of his three-point shots in the NBA, stressed that the new rule could help particularly in spacing and can really adapt in the style of the game today which includes shooting long threes.
“A hundred percent. I think it’s good for the game [and] it allows more space,” said Kuzma in the KUZMANILA: Kyle Kuzma Philippine Tour’s press conference Monday morning, Aug. 26, at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.
“And at the end of the day, a lot of us shoot deep threes anyway.”
The former Los Angeles Lakers star also underscored that the fans might like it if it was implemented in the NBA.
“A lot of us can shoot from far and I think it will be more dramatic in the NBA and the fans will probably like it, too,” Kuzma added.
“Steph [Curry] would probably get way more four-points.”
Last week, Meralco Bolts’ Chris Banchero made history by hitting the first-ever PBA four-point in their game against the Magnolia Hotshots.
But for Kuzma, the Filipino fans’ warm welcome amazed him, noting he already heard it from his Filipino friends like Gilas’ Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green and it made his first visit in the country very special.
“Like I said, this is my first time being here. Unbelievable reception and love coming here. And I’ve always wanted to come here,” he continued. “I didn’t expect many people but I expect it’s going to be pretty crazy, just being a Laker and friend with Kobe [Bryant],” Kuzma added.
“Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, and two of my barbers are actually Filipinos in the States. I heard a bunch about this place, and I’m very excited to be here.”
Kuzma is here in the country to join in multiple events including community programs and a basketball clinic in Quezon City.
Kuzma played five years for the Purple and Gold club where he helped the franchise along with basketball icon LeBron James to clinch its 17th banner after winning in six games over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat (4-2) in the 2020-21 NBA Bubble Season Finals in Bay Lake, Florida.
However, in the following season, Kuzma was traded by the Lakers to the Wizards in exchange of cat-quick guard and NBA most triple-double record holder Russell Westbrook.
The former University of Utah standout has been remarkable especially last season where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists – Kuzma’s outputs in scoring and passing department were his best in his seven NBA seasons – in 70 games.
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