Kyle Kuzma on His First Trip to Manila: 'I Can Feel the Love'
Fresh off another banner year, National Basketball Association (N.B.A.) star Kyle Kuzma has quietly cemented his status as one of the league's true rock stars in recent years. More than being a champ, the 29-year-old Washington Wizards forward has made quite the name for himself off the court as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, creative director, and style icon (the guy has good taste, as seen in his watch collection).
Recently, Kuz stopped by Manila during his Asia tour, his first-ever trip to the Philippines. And judging by the outpouring of support from fans, it won't be the last. Here, he sits down with Esquire Philippines to talk about the upcoming N.B.A. season, good vs. mid-style, his business ventures, and a whole lot more.
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I see that you've done the whole Asian tour recently, just returned from China and now here in the Philippines. What were some of the expectations you've had heading into your first visit to Manila?
I think at the beginning of my career, I was always in Asia. When COVID happened, I couldn't come as much. Now that the world is open, it's very exciting.
I can feel the love. The Philippines has been amazing. I've only been here about half a day, basically. Getting from the airport to the Mall of Asia Arena was an unbelievable experience. I went to the N.B.A. store and met a lot of fans. I got a massage last night and it was really good, too. I'm really excited to see more of what the Philippines has to offer, and looking forward to enjoying myself here.
You know, I've seen the Filipino connection just from being in Los Angeles and being a Laker. But seeing it firsthand is different. I really understand the passion that these fans have for basketball. And I want to learn more about the history of basketball here.
You've been with the Washington Wizards for three years now, posting career highs per year. Part of your larger role requires you to be a mentor to the younger guys. Obviously, you must've learned a lot from LeBron, Kobe, and other veterans. Can you tell us more about your transition over the years into becoming a leader?
I like to win. Having career years is good, but it's not as fun when the people you're with aren't having career years themselves, as well. This year is all about building that and helping others get better. It's about building a winning culture. Last year was year one. This is year two. We're a young team and we have a lot of talent and a lot of high-character guys.
I think I've developed pretty well as a leader over the past two years. Last year was my first full year as the guy. It was definitely an experience. It's something you do every single day. You don't have any days off. This year should be much better for me, especially being around the guys, and getting to know them. Having that relationship is always important.
How would you define good style? What's great? What's mid?
I've always admired Asian fashion and culture. A lot of trends are set over here. I think people who are on the Eastern side of the world are tasteful. They care about materials and fabrics, their preparation, and how they present themselves. I think naturally I've also followed that a little bit... I really want to bring more of [my artistry] with the people over here.
I think what makes good style is being authentic and being yourself. It's about wearing things that make you feel good and make you comfortable and happy. Aesthetically, I've had a journey trying to learn that. Naturally, that's what we do. Do I like suits? Do I like baggy clothes? Do I like athleisure? So over the years, that's what I've really honed on what I like.
Let's talk about your entrepreneurial pursuits. You're the founder and creative director of Childhood Dreams, have done collaborations with brands like David Yurman and Puma, and even have the beverage brand Barcode. Leveraging your on-court success, fashion, and celebrity like that, you've become a brand now. How would you describe your life as a brand-builder?
Business is super important. It's another challenge. When you look at business, you know it's a sport, as well. It's competitive and that's what attracts me to it, outside the money and everything, of course. Being in business means being creative and artsy, and it's something that keeps me alive and motivated.
You've been very outspoken about growing up in Flint, Michigan, and have donated so much to the community back home. The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, in particular, with your mom Karri, notably donated $1 million to the YMCA of Greater Flint last year. That's on top of the rest of the work you've put in with the communities that have partnered with NBA Cares. Talk to us more about giving back and where you see your foundation growing from here.
Giving back is super important. The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation is important to me and my mother. We've really partnered to take it on. I had a good life for sure, but also it was challenging in a sense, growing up in Flint, Michigan with a single mom who worked a bunch of different jobs. My grandmother had to raise us. I had to babysit at a young age. I understand what it's like to have humble beginnings. The way my mom is, she runs our foundation as president. The foundation is relatable to me. That was me. That was us.
Flint will always be a part of me. I've gotten it tatted with me all over my body. It keeps me grounded whenever I think about home. I'm extremely humbled by those times, and will always be grateful to be part of Flint.
