Washington Wizards: Who will Rui Hachimura replace in the starting five?

No. 1 – Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is the most likely candidate to be replaced in the starting five once Rui Hachimura returns. So far this season, Kuzma has started in all 25 games with the Washington Wizards. However, before coming to D.C., Kuzma had come off the bench for 146 out of 276 career games. Therefore, the transition back to the bench wouldn’t be too difficult for Kuzma because that’s the role he’s played most of his career.

So far this season, Kuzma is averaging a career-high in rebounds (8.4 RPG) but he’s shooting a career-low from the field (42.4%), having to carry a bigger load offensively. He’s also been struggling from the charity stripe, shooting a lowly 65.3%, which is a career-low for him as well. I know it’s still somewhat early in the season, but the Wizards don’t have the luxury of waiting to see if these percentages improve. A move has to be made.

The Eastern Conference is extremely deep, and they must continue stacking wins if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Moving Kyle Kuzma to the bench for Rui Hachimura would provide the Washington Wizards with another scorer in the 2nd unit. As it stands, the only player currently averaging double-figures off the Wizards bench is Montrezl Harrell (15.6 PPG). Raul Neto and Deni Avdija are the next highest scorers off the bench with 7.5 PPG & 6.1 PPG, respectively.

Kuzma off the bench could be exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to fixing this offense and getting more production from the 2nd unit. Coming off the bench, he’d be able to look for his shot a lot more instead of being so passive. It’s nice seeing him average a career-high 2.8 APG, but that’s not the Kuz we all know and love. He’s at his best when he’s playing with confidence and scoring the ball at a high level. And that’s exactly what the Wizards need from him.