Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is hoping to play in the 2028 Olympics, and he’s willing to represent another nation if he doesn’t land a spot with Team USA. In an interview with Blogdebasket, Kuzma talked about watching the U.S. win a gold medal in Paris last month and wanting to be part of that experience.
“Playing for Team USA is my number one goal, especially in the Olympics,” he said. “I had the opportunity to play for them in 2019 before I broke my foot, but that dream is still very much alive. It’s the best of the best, and sometimes it’s even political. But I’m going to keep working hard and hopefully get a chance to represent my country.”
Kuzma celebrated his 29th birthday this summer, so he’ll be 33 when the Olympic Games return to Los Angeles in four years, likely making it his last chance to participate. While the Flint, Michigan, native prefers to represent his native country, he may consider other options if that doesn’t happen.
“You know, my number one goal is to play for Team USA in the Olympics, 100% in four years,” Kuzma added. “But I could play with JC (Jordan Clarkson on the Philippines national team). I mean, if I didn’t play for the U.S. team. That would be great. I think it’s really cool that other players are going to other places to play because it’s very, very difficult to play for Team USA.”
Kuzma is currently preparing for his eighth NBA season and his fourth with Washington. He’s one of the few veteran players on the Wizards, who are in the midst of a youth movement and are likely to have one of the top picks in next year’s draft.
Kuzma’s long-term role with the franchise appears uncertain. He’s coming off one of the best seasons of his career — averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 70 games — so he could have more value to a contender, and the front office may be willing to part with him to add to its stockpile of draft assets. Kuzma has three seasons remaining on the extension he signed last summer, so he doesn’t have much leverage if he decides he’d rather play for a team with a better chance of winning.
Among the other topics Kuzma addressed in the interview was his admiration for Heat president Pat Riley, although their paths have never crossed in the NBA.
“I’ve always looked up to Pat Riley, even though I never had the chance to play for him,” Kuzma said. “I respect his approach to basketball and his professionalism. When I’m off the court, I’m fun and relaxed, but once I get on the court, I’m very serious because I love basketball and it’s important to me. What Pat Riley has done with the Heat and throughout his career, from the Showtime Lakers to building the culture of the Heat, has always been something I’ve admired from afar.”
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