WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the ... [+] Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesThe Washington Wizards stand at a crossroad, their future unknown, but likely dictated by the free agency of forward Kyle Kuzma, who has spent two years with the franchise, putting himself on display for the rest of the NBA.
Kuzma, after escaping the Los Angeles Lakers where he seemed destined for a smaller role than what his talents warrant, is averaging 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 64 games this season, producing at a near All-Star level.
The breakout, which frankly started last season - his first with the Wizards - has unquestionably pushed his value up. Few players in the NBA average over 20 points per game, while receiving under $20 million per year. Kuzma will be no exception.
With the salary cap estimated to rise by $11 million, not a single eye would bat it's eyelids if Kuzma were to close a deal worth an annual compensation level of over $25 million per year. After all, the 6'9 forward is not just a scorer, but an improving playmaker which doesn't come cheap in today's market.
Washington can of course offer Kuzma the compensation he's looking for, and they might not have much of a choice but to pony up given their prior investments into Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Losing Kuzma, while paying Beal $46.7 million and Porziņģis $36 million next season, would seem wasteful and illogical given the franchise's direction of trying to win now.
That mission, however, has hardly proven fruitful this season. The Wizards are in free fall, and have essentially gift-wrapped the 10th seed to the Chicago Bulls in recent weeks. Washington sits at an unremarkable 32-41, which in theory would justify a different course of action.
But this is where things get complicated.
For one, losing Kuzma for nothing would not be an active in any way. Whether they re-sign him only to trade him later, or pivot off of him via a sign-and-trade, both beat the alternative of seeing leave outright, which is a right afforded to him by his pending unrestricted free agency status.
Adding even more complexity to the situation is the fact that the Wizards gave Beal a no-trade clause in his latest contract, giving the star the right of vetoing any trade involving him.
Beal, who is obviously the most attractive trade piece in Washington, thus wields a level of power that can directly prevent the Wizards from going into a fully-fledged rebuild. That is, of course, unless Beal sees the writing on the wall and is willing to waive that clause in order to move on.
Perhaps the motivation to leave Washington develops by a Kuzma departure, where Beal looks around the locker room only to realize he's not getting close to a championship anytime soon.
Or perhaps - and maybe worryingly for Washington - Beal decides to stick around out of a sense of loyalty, effectively forcing the Wizards in a direction they likely shouldn't go.
Porziņģis is, somewhat ironically, the least of their concerns given how he’s rebuilt his own value this year by averaging 23.0 points and 8.4 rebounds. If the Wizards go end up going into a rebuild, he will be able to be moved, and likely for a decent return. What could be a problem is his contract, which expires 2024, should the organization decide to stick with the idea of trying to win.
It isn’t inconceivable that the Wizards lose Kuzma and Porziņģis in back-to-back summers, which would drastically alter the long-term outlook of the franchise, unless of course the franchise takes matters into their own hands and move off Porziņģis before his contract expires.
However this summer plays out, Washington is in drastic need of change, and that starts by not losing crucial assets, that could help them achieve it in the long run.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Morten Stig Jensen, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2023/03/24/a-kuzma-departure-this-summer-could-force-wizards-into-changes/
By: Morten Stig Jensen, Contributor
Title: A Kuzma Departure This Summer Could Force Wizards Into Changes
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2023/03/24/a-kuzma-departure-this-summer-could-force-wizards-into-changes/
Published Date: 03-24-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a NBA ref make?
Referees in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are paid competitive salaries for their officiating duties. The average NBA referee earns between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. This scale of pay can vary depending on the experience of referees. More experienced referees will earn higher salaries. Referees working in the playoffs/finals earn more than those who perform additional tasks, such as training new refs and working in a video review center. Many NBA refs earn income through endorsements and royalty payments from television broadcasts or other media outlets. Overall, being a NBA referee could be a highly lucrative job that can generate steady income for those who are willing to do the hard work.
Apart from a salary, NBA referees receive retirement plans and health insurance. Referees have a healthier lifestyle because they make crucial decisions that can change the outcome of games. Referees are often eligible for subsidized lodging, meals, and travel to away matches. This can be a comforting factor for referees who strive to achieve perfection on the courts.
NBA referees make a decent salary for their hard work and dedication, especially when they are responsible for enforcing rules during one of the world's most popular sports. It can be hard work, but referees get a chance to make a difference in basketball.
What is the difference between a technical foul and a flagrant foul?
A technical foul in NBA refers to any unsportsmanlike behavior. This includes arguing with officials or excessive celebrating. A technical foul results in one free throw attempt, and the opposing team will also receive possession of the ball.
Flagrant fouls are when a player makes violent or aggressive contact with another player. The flagrant foul results in two free throws for each team and the possession of the ball. Flagrant fouls can be classified into two categories: Flagrant one or Flagrant 2. Flagrant one is less serious than Flagrant two, and it does not lead to an ejection.
A personal foul refers to any contact that is illegal between two players. This refers to any illegal hand-checking of, holding, pushing or tripping another player. Personal fouls could also result in free throws and possession of a ball for the opposing player. Personal fouls, however, are not considered unsportsmanlike, unlike flagrant and technical fouls.
All fouls are allowed in the NBA. They can result either in free throw attempts, or the possession of the ball by the opposing team. What the intention behind the foul and how severe the contact was are what will determine the difference between technical and personal fouls.
When was Bill Russell last seen?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
Legends last forever. A legend dies when he stops playing.
But for those few moments, the greatest basketball player gave us a glimpse of his greatness.
Russell was born in February 1934. He died on July 31, 2022. In just 13 seasons, he won 11 championships for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell received five MVP Awards and 12 All-Star selections. In the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was also inducted. He was an incredible leader and defender who revolutionized the game with his passion for winning.
He turned the Celtics into one of the most successful dynasties in sports, from a weak team to one that was exemplary. He was unselfish and a strong competitor who encouraged his teammates to achieve their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. His legacy will be cherished forever.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. Your legacy will be one of the most admired basketball players.
What is the biggest rivalry in the NBA?
The NBA's most fierce rivalry is held by Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.
The NBA Finals' most-matched teams have been the Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers, who met 12 times. The Celtics have won nine times in those meetings. They first met in 1959. Both teams excelled in the years following, especially in the 1960s, 1980s and 1990s when they would be facing each other six and three times respectively. The new millennium marked 2000, but the two teams still met twice within the same year.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nba.com
sports.yahoo.com
si.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
How To
How can you prepare yourself for an NBA experience?
It is important to have the correct tickets in order to be prepared for a NBA game experience. You can either purchase tickets directly from the team's site or through a third party electronic ticket seller. Plan ahead and be familiar with the arena policies so you aren't caught off guard. You will want to arrive at the arena on time to do warm-ups and pregame activities. Acquire team merchandise, like a shirt or hat, if desired. Don't forget to pack your camera and binoculars to take pictures and get close views of the action on the court. Finally, consider other entertainment options at halftimes, such as a concert or special event, if you don't want to miss any of the action. Enjoy the game!
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