Kyle Kuzma Illness and Health Update: What Happened to Kyle Kuzma?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Feb 15, 2024
Kyle Kuzma Illness and Health Update
The Washington Wizards will be without Kyle Kuzma for tonight's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, as he is sidelined due to a non-COVID illness, according to the team's injury report. Kuzma, a key forward for the Wizards, has been an integral part of their lineup throughout the season.
However, his absence tonight presents an opportunity for Bilal Coulibaly to make his fifth start of the season. The team will likely miss Kuzma's scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions, but Coulibaly will have a chance to showcase his skills and provide valuable minutes in Kuzma's absence.
As the Wizards navigate through Kuzma's health situation, fans and the organization will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition. The nature of the non-COVID illness has not been disclosed, leaving room for speculation and concern among supporters.
The team will undoubtedly prioritize Kuzma's well-being, and his return to the court will depend on his recovery from the undisclosed illness. In the meantime, the Wizards will rely on the depth of their roster and the talents of players like Bilal Coulibaly to step up and fill the void left by Kuzma's absence.
Who is Kyle Kuzma?
Kyle Kuzma is an accomplished American professional basketball player currently donning the jersey of the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kuzma honed his skills in college, playing for the Utah Utes and earning recognition as a first-team all-conference player in the Pac-12 during his junior year in the 2016–17 season. His standout performances at the collegiate level propelled him to the NBA, where he was chosen as the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 draft.
During his initial stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma made a significant impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018. His contributions were pivotal as he played a key role in helping the Lakers secure an NBA championship in 2020. Despite his success in Los Angeles, Kuzma was later traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021, where he continues to showcase his skills and contribute to his team's performance in the highly competitive NBA.
Specifications
Details
Name
Kyle Kuzma
Jersey No.
33
Team
Washington Wizards
Position
Power forward / Small forward
League
NBA
Born
July 24, 1995
Birthplace
Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Age
28
Listed Height
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed Weight
221 lb (100 kg)
High School
Bentley (Burton, Michigan) and Rise Academy (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
College
Utah (2014–2017)
NBA Draft
2017: 1st round, 27th overall pick (Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers)
Playing Career
2017–present
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Kyle Kuzma Career
Kyle Kuzma's basketball journey began in his high school years, where he showcased his talents at Bentley High School in Michigan. Averaging an impressive 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game as a junior, he garnered attention from preparatory schools after sending tapes of his skills. Vin Sparacio, head coach at Rise Academy in Philadelphia, recognized Kuzma's potential and brought him in, leading to a standout senior year where he averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game.
Moving on to the collegiate level, Kuzma enrolled at the University of Utah in 2013. After redshirting his freshman year, he became a starter for the Utes in his sophomore year, averaging 10.8 points per game. His junior season was particularly noteworthy, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 honors with averages of 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Kuzma's impressive college career led him to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft.
Selected with the 27th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets, Kuzma was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft day. His impact was immediate, earning recognition in the NBA Summer League and later being named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month. Over his four seasons with the Lakers, Kuzma continued to develop into a key player, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Notable achievements include being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and scoring a career-high 41 points against the Detroit Pistons in 2019. Kuzma's journey took a new turn in 2021 when he was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a package for Russell Westbrook. Making an impact from the start, Kuzma recorded impressive performances, including a game-winning three-pointer in December 2021.
His contributions extended into the 2022 season, with notable achievements such as a career-high 36 points against the Charlotte Hornets and a first career triple-double in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Wizards recognized his value, and on June 30, 2023, Kuzma signed a four-year, $102 million deal to remain with the team, solidifying his place in the NBA.
Kyle Kuzma Family and Early Life
Raised in the challenging environment of Flint, Michigan, Kyle Kuzma's family background has played a significant role in shaping his life. Born to Karri Kuzma, a former high school shot put champion who pursued college on a track scholarship, Kuzma has a younger half-brother named Andre and a younger half-sister named Briana. Growing up biracial, Kuzma's early life was marked by unique familial dynamics.
Remarkably, Kuzma met his biological father only once during infancy, yet he found a father figure in Larry Smith, the father of his half-siblings. Karri Kuzma and Smith recognized Kuzma's potential early on, placing a toy basketball rim in their living room when he was just two years old. This small gesture ignited Kuzma's passion for basketball and set the stage for his remarkable journey in the sport.
Coming from Flint, a city known for its challenges and violence, Kuzma has acknowledged the tough circumstances he faced. However, amidst the adversity, basketball became Kuzma's "safe haven," providing him with an outlet to navigate the challenges of his surroundings. His family's support and the early introduction to basketball laid the foundation for Kuzma's eventual success in the sport.
Kyle Kuzma Girlfriend
Kyle Kuzma has been romantically involved with Canadian model Winnie Harlow since 2020. Winnie Harlow is a renowned figure in the fashion industry, recognized for her modeling career and her role as a public spokesperson for the skin condition vitiligo. She first gained prominence in 2014 as a contestant on the 21st cycle of the U.S. television series "America's Next Top Model."
Winnie Harlow's breakthrough moment came in 2016 when she became the first model with vitiligo to walk in the prestigious Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Her presence on the runway marked a significant step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world. Harlow further showcased her talents in the Beyoncé-directed HBO visual album "Beyoncé: Lemonade" in 2016, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Apart from her modeling career, Harlow has been an advocate for embracing uniqueness and diversity in the beauty industry. She was honored as one of the BBC 100 Women in 2018, recognizing her influence and impact on the global stage.
Winnie Harlow's involvement in the fashion industry expanded as she served as a judge on the second season of the Amazon Prime Video series "Making the Cut." Together with Kyle Kuzma, the couple has been a prominent and stylish presence, capturing attention both on and off the court and runway.
Kyle Kuzma Net Worth
Kyle Kuzma Net Worth is $20 million. His primary source of income is derived from his successful career as a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a key player for the Washington Wizards, Kuzma earns a substantial salary and benefits from various endorsements and sponsorship deals that come with being a recognized athlete.
The NBA offers lucrative contracts, and Kuzma's skills and contributions on the court have contributed to his financial success in the competitive world of professional basketball.
In addition to his basketball earnings, Kuzma has expanded his income streams through endorsement deals and partnerships with various brands. Athletes often sign lucrative contracts with sportswear companies, and Kuzma's marketability as a young and talented player has likely attracted endorsement opportunities. These partnerships, coupled with his NBA salary, contribute significantly to Kyle Kuzma's overall income and financial stability.
What Happened to Kyle Kuzma?
Kyle Kuzma is sidelined for the game against the Pelicans due to a non-COVID illness, as reported by the Wizards' injury update. The specific details of his illness remain undisclosed.
This absence opens an opportunity for Bilal Coulibaly to step in and make his fifth start of the season. Kuzma's non-participation is a setback for the Wizards, given his significant contributions on the court. Fans and the team will await further updates on Kuzma's health, hoping for a swift recovery and his return to the lineup in upcoming games.
Kyle Kuzma Illness and Health Update - FAQs
The specific details regarding Kyle Kuzma's non-COVID illness have not been disclosed. The team has only indicated that he is dealing with a health issue, and further information about the nature of the illness has not been provided.
The timeline for Kyle Kuzma's return to the lineup has not been specified. It will depend on the progression of his recovery from the non-COVID illness. Fans and the team will await updates from the Wizards regarding his health status and availability for future games.
Kyle Kuzma's absence due to illness is a setback for the Wizards, given his significant contributions on the court. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills are valuable to the team, and his non-participation creates a void that the team will need to address in his absence.
While specific details about Kyle Kuzma's health history are not extensively publicized, his current absence due to a non-COVID illness is a notable event. The team has not provided information suggesting a pattern of health concerns for Kuzma in the past.
Kyle Kuzma's absence from games due to health reasons is relatively infrequent. While players may encounter occasional health setbacks during the course of a demanding NBA season, Kuzma's non-COVID illness leading to a missed game is not a common occurrence based on available information.