The Washington Wizards have their starting point guard after acquiring Monte Morris in a trade from the Denver Nuggets. Morris will now be reunited with his childhood friend Kyle Kuzma.
Both Morris and Kuzma are natives of Flint, Michigan. As revealed by Kuzma, the two were in grade school together and they vowed to fulfill a childhood dream of being teammates together in the NBA.
The two grew up in the Flint area, going to separate high schools and colleges. Kuzma played collegiately at Utah. Meanwhile, Morris was at Iowa State. Both were drafted in 2017. Kuzma was the 27th overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morris slipped to the second round to the Denver Nuggets as the 51st overall pick.
After four seasons with the Lakers, Kuzma played his first with the Wizards in 2021-22. Out of the shadow of LeBron James, Kuzma averaged 17.1 points, and career highs of 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 66 games with the Wizards.
Morris had spent all five seasons thus far with the Nuggets. The previous four seasons he was as a reserve, playing primarily behind Jamal Murray. However, last season Morris was thrust into starting 74 games as Murray missed the season with a torn ACL.
Morris had his best season to date. He averaged a career highs of 12.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds. Now he’ll get an increased role in Washington playing alongside his childhood friend Kuzma and hopefully three-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
The NBA comprises the best hoopers in the world. It’s rare that two childhood friends even make it to the sports’ top league, let alone eventually becoming teammates. Kuzma and Morris will be exceptions when the pair step foot on the floor next season as Washington Wizards.
