Defense
Kyle Kuzma has all the tools offensively to be a star for years to come. He has the ability to finish inside, has a mid-range game, and can have big games from the outside, despite his inconsistency in the area. The difference between a good player and a great player in many cases is the defensive end.
Many talented players like the CJ McCollum’s and the Zach LaVine’s are terrific offensively but haven’t taken the next step, due to some questions at the defensive end.
This is why it’s important for Kyle Kuzma to make some improvements. In year two, Kuzma looked much sharper on defense than his rookie season. As a rookie, Kuzma would often get caught ball watching and would let the bigger forwards beat him down inside. In his sophomore campaign, he came into the season much stronger and looked even lighter on his feet. Watching lots of film on some poor tendencies or some breakdowns can certainly help him.
At 6’9″ with lighter feet than most power forwards, he has the ability to be at least respectable on the defensive end. He can defend multiple positions. Kuzma, will likely never be a shot blocker or a thief in this league, but that doesn’t mean everything. In his two seasons, he averages only 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks. You can still make a huge impact without it showing up in the box score.
If Kyle Kuzma can correct a thing or two mentioned, that will be enough. If he shows development in all three, it won’t be pretty for the rest of the league.