Was there more to Kyle Kuzma’s recent ejection?

Kyle Kuzma losing his cool could be sign of mounting frustration

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is usually known for his cool, unmoved demeanor. That slightly changed on Monday when Kuzma was ejected from the team’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons at the 2:37 mark in the fourth quarter.

The ejection came after Kuzma was assessed two technical fouls for arguing with and clapping in the face of an official. When asked about the situation he credited his reaction to feeling disrespected:

“Just tired of being disrespected. I’m always polite with refs, always talk to them with manners, and he didn’t look me in the eye all night,” Kuzma said. “Didn’t want to have a conversation, no dialogue. You have to have that type of dialogue with refs. I just got flustered with that.”

There is no doubt that he had frustration towards how the referee treated him most of the game. But getting to the point of drawing an ejection is uncharacteristic of Kuzma. The Wizards are sitting at 7-32 on the season so there should be some thought about how much of Kuzma’s reaction was related to mounting frustration with the team’s losing record.

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When Kuzma signed a new contract with the Wizards, he was optimistic about the rebuild, addition of Jordan Poole, and the team’s future. Being that he tweeted “don’t be that team” in reference to the Pistons losing streak, it’s clear he did not think it could eventually apply to the Wizards.

At this point its like “dont be that team” 🤣 https://t.co/qmWMgPt9Jz

— kuz (@kylekuzma) December 29, 2023

No one expected overnight success but expecting a more competitive product is a fair assumption.

With Kuzma starting his career as a Los Angeles Laker, he comes from a championship pedigree and this is likely the most he has dealt with not winning. At the same time, that championship mindset is why he will bounce back and continue to lead the Wizards despite the current trajectory.