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Zach Lowe responds after Kyle Kuzma branded NBA’s Least Valuable Player on a playoff team

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 6:03 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma in a multi-player deal in early February .

The Milwaukee Bucks parting ways with Khris Middleton, who helped them win an NBA Championship in 2021, was seen as a shock.

However, his injury history derailed his playing career and the Bucks were in need of someone who could stay healthy and give them similar production to Middleton.

Kyle Kuzma struggled during his half season with the Bucks and didn’t make the impact fans were hoping to see.

Zach Lowe responds to Bill Simmons, says Kyle Kuzma is going to ‘bounce back’ this season

Kuzma was underwhelming for the Bucks, averaging 14.5 points in 33 games played with the team.

Bill Simmons called Kuzma the NBA’s least valuable player, which prompted Zach Lowe to defend him.

“If they added a LVP award for most damaging player who played 25 minutes on a playoff team, Kuzma’s minus 250. I can’t even think who else would be a prohibitive favorite, Simmons said.

“Don’t do this to Kyle Kuzma… That’s not him. I know he became a punchline last year, he’s not a bad NBA player. He’s going to bounce back. Kuzma bounce back,” Lowe responded.

Kyle Kuzma needs to have a strong season with the Milwaukee Bucks

It seems like Kuzma is set to come off the bench this season with the Bucks. Doc Rivers has brought him off the bench in Milwaukee’s recent preseason games.

A role in the second unit could be exactly what Kuzma needs. As a starter, he looked out of place and just served as a catch-and-shoot offensive player.

If he comes off the bench, he won’t have to worry about crowding the lane for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he can attack the hoop when the chances are there.

The Bucks still need Kuzma to be a versatile defender and him coming from off the bench will allow him to play his more natural position of power forward.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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