The 2021-22 NBA season was a tough one for the Washington Wizards. With Bradley Beal injured, Rui Hachimura struggling with mental health, Montrezl Harrell unhappy (and subsequently being shipped to Charlotte) and the rest of the roster struggling to find an identity, Washington let everyone loose to compete for the title of “best player in Beal’s absence.”
Though Kristaps Porzingis made a compelling case following his trade deadline move to the Wizards, Kyle Kuzma stepped up the most all season long and evolved into a leader and viable third option next to Beal and Porzingis.
Since Beal missed over half the season and Porzingis played only 17 games with the Wizards, Kuzma led the Wizards in scoring with 17.