Losing an All-Star caliber player and MVP by training is never a dish of good taste. But if you have to resign yourself to such subtraction, it is better to do so with the security of receiving in exchange a package of players who ensure short-term competitiveness. That was General Manager Tommy Sheppard’s plan when Westbrook asked him that he tried a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. After receiving Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrel and Kyle Kuzma in the exchange, some rumors pointed to their short stay in the capital. Ultimately, none of this happened and Wes Unseld Jr. is counting on them as an essential part of his new Wizards, which Kuzma sees as the right decision. “It is a transfer that you would do ten times out of ten.”
“Obviously, Westbrook is a future Hall of Famer and an incredible player. But getting five good players in exchange for one makes sense and is what you have to do if you are a general manager. Kuzma included in his statement the possibility that opened the way for Russell to sign Spencer Dinwiddie and the arrival of Aaron Holiday in exchange for the first-round pick received. The Wizards have started the season well at 2-0. Caldwell-Pope is being vital in the defensive section and providing mettle in attack. And Montrezl Harrell is keeping the energy that Daniel Gafford starts.
For his part, Kuzma is having a harder time fitting into his new role. His 26 points in the last game against Indiana improved his season opener, but the negative 12-point run with him on the court points to difficulties in finding the right rhythm. Anyway, for now the results and sensations prove him right. Despite a very good season finale, the Wizards had a hard time taking advantage of teaming up Westbrook and Beal. Now it seems that things are doomed to work more easily, so for now, Kuzma may be all the advantageous thing i wished for.
(Cover photo by Mark Blinch / Getty Images)