Kyle Kuzma, the unlikely Washington Wizards star, felt the burn of social media after making controversial comments last week.
Kuzma responded to a tweet that exposed Elon Musk’s enormous tax bill with mixed results. It all started when “Kuz” retweeted a story from CNN explaining how Elon Musk owes $11 billion in taxes after selling Tesla stock.
For those wondering, I will pay over $11 billion in taxes this year
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2021
Musk tweeted on Dec. 19, 2021, “for those wondering, I will pay over $11 billion in taxes this year.”
Kuzma’s Twitter Fingers
“ThE rIcH DoNt PaY tAxEs” https://t.co/Tovh6Bv2LJ
— kuz (@kylekuzma) December 29, 2021
“The rich don’t pay taxes,” Kuzma posted.
The statement was ill-received by the masses, who already had a strong opinion on the ballplayer. Aside from the obvious, that Elon Musk is the wealthiest person in history with an astronomical tax bill, the fans felt a bit of hubris or naivetè from Kuzma.
It was an easy entrance for critical commentary towards Kuzma, who has received mixed reactions since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Washington Wizards.
City of Angels To City of Scandals
Kuzma was part of the deal that sent Russell Westbrook from Washington to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers also acquired three future second-round draft picks from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson.
What changed, man? I’m curious pic.twitter.com/cULN3ojZCT
— connor (@cg_410) December 29, 2021
In his four-year professional career, Kuzma had only known the purple and gold, and the transition brought skepticism toward the man who had the benefit of the massive presence of LeBron James.
After all, Kuzma won a championship with the Lakers, and the Flint, Michigan, native made the City of Angels home. Joining Bradley Beal also created an opportunity for a more significant role outside of the shadows of more prominent players.
On A Roll In D.C.
“I’m just in a great situation here in Washington,” Kuzma said post-Charlotte win. “The coaching staff believes in me, the players believe in me and I’m just having fun, honestly. I’m having a lot of fun.”
Nah bruh put that pink sweater on keep that same energy lol https://t.co/VQl1Ryj8wU
— kuz (@kylekuzma) January 4, 2022
Kuzma is now almost half a season in with the Wizards. He’s been an integral part of the team and stepped up when many of his teammates had to enter the NBA COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
For example, in Monday’s Wizards win over the Hornets, Kuzma had 36 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. He also shot 6-for-11 from the three-point line. Interestingly, Kuzma matched Westbrook as the only Wizards players with that many points and rebounds in a game in the past decade.
It’s about percentage of income Kuz. Don’t drink the coolaide bro.
— OellaD (@oellad4891) December 29, 2021
Kuzma’s Time
However, it was the continuation of a pattern for Kuzma. He has had four straight games with 20-plus points, although he was roasted recently for his questionable fashion choices and social media etiquette.
Kuzma’s Elon Musk tweet might have touched a nerve for those looking to discount his play and instead focus on his Twitter fingers and relationship with model Winnie Harlow tabloid fodder.
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However, that doesn’t negate that Kuzma is second on the Wizards in field goal attempts this season with 12.5 per game. An ill-timed tweet didn’t hit the right humor notes; instead, it sprinkled a dash of hubris over his brand, but he is still delivering for D.C., and that is nothing to razz him over.
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