Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma beef explained: Why former Wizards teammates feud on social media

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By Webdesk



Kyle Kuzma and Spencer Dinwiddie have officially rekindled their beef. The back and forth of the former Wizards teammates started in January and seemed to have died down. However, much more happened after Dinwiddie called out Kuzma in a recent interview a.

Both players have shared their opinions and some fiery statements about the other. Here’s a closer look at the situation:

The beginning

The Wizards defeated the Mavericks 127-126 on January 24, before Dinwiddie was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Dinwiddie recorded 20 points and eight assists in that game, but the Mavs didn’t win and he wasn’t happy about it. He expressed his displeasure by making a comment about the Wizards at the post-game press conference.

“They really play for a reason… for them it’s a showcase,” Dinwiddie said. “They’re trying to get paid there, not to play winning basketball.”

Kuzma wasn’t a fan of what Dinwiddie said, so he responded on Twitter.

“The funny thing is they don’t play winning basketball,” Kuzma wrote.

Three months later, Dinwiddie explained that what he said at that press conference was meant to motivate his team, but that Kuzma probably took it as a shot at him.

Dinwiddie calls Kuzma

In an April interview with FanDuel TV, Dinwiddie explained why he didn’t immediately fire back at Kuzma.

“I wanted to respond,” said Dinwiddie, referring to Kuzma’s tweet from a few months ago. “My agent told me to stop, that we had bigger fish to fry, things to do, go to the playoffs, etc. Now I’m not in that environment, I’m in the playoffs, he’s not. “

Dinwiddie was traded back to Brooklyn in February, a team he played for from 2016-2021. The Nets made the playoffs on April 7 after a 101–84 victory over the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, Kuzma and the Wizards were eliminated after losing to the New York Knicks in April. 2.

But it wasn’t just about making the playoffs. Dinwiddie also questioned Kuzma’s approach to basketball.

“I think when you look at him and the way he approaches life, fame and all that stuff, we can see that his priorities vary,” said Dinwiddie. “That’s why he dresses the way he dresses, he approaches basketball the way he does, the comments he makes.

“In DC if you have three maximum dudes -[Kristaps] Porzingis, Brad [Beal] And [Kuzma]- how do you miss the playoffs? None of these things make sense unless your priorities are out of order.”

Dinwiddie made other statements in the interview and Kuzma was certainly watching. He replied to each claim in a Twitter thread.

“I just don’t like fake stories about me! People use the way I dress or my celebrity against me. Don’t let my confidence insult your insecurities,” Kuzma wrote. “I am a very driven person and strive to be better as I have been all my career! If you knew my story you would rock with me more!”

Fact check of Dinwiddie and Kuzma’s claims:

Kuzma is chasing money

Dinwiddie said one of the reasons Kuzma left the Lakers — the team he played for from 2017-2021 — was because he wanted more money.

Dinwiddie: “You know you shoot there trying to get a contract. You’re probably not even a third star if you’re on a good team because otherwise the Lakers would have kept you. Part of the reason you left is to make more money. These are all facts.”

True or False: While there are plenty of reasons for a player to leave a team, Kuzma made it clear that it was nothing to be ashamed of.

“and yup! I got a bag coming up, stop hating lol,” said Kuz.

Kuzma’s contract for next season was supposed to bring him $13 million, but he is reportedly planning to opt out of that senior year to become a free agent and make more money.

Dinwiddie “bounced around”

Kuzma: “The Wizards and I have so much real estate on Dinshittie Island. This guy was signed by a 60ms team and was traded before the next season was over. … what in the world have you won in this competition? Lol you’ve been tossed around like a basketball, my boy.”

True or False: Dinwiddie signed a three-year deal worth $54 million and up to $60 million through incentives with the Wizards in August 2021. He was traded to the Mavericks in February 2022.

Dinwiddie began his NBA career in 2014 as a second-round draft pick for the Detroit Pistons. He has since switched teams four times and only played in 24 playoff games. He has yet to earn a ring while Kuzma was part of the Lakers’ 2020 championship team, though he was not a starter in LA that season and averaged 25 minutes per game.

KD and Irving responsible for the Nets playoffs

Kuzma: “You can thank KD & Kyrie and the for leading 34 wins before the all star break (11-13 after the break) for your playoffs.”

True or False: The pre- and post-All-Star records are true, as is the claim that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are key for Brooklyn to earn a ticket to the playoffs. The Nets are the number 6 seed and begin their series against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 15.

Durant, now with the Suns, averaged 29.7 points per game. Irving, now with the Mavericks, contributed with 27.1 points per game. Mikal Bridges is the current standout for the Nets, leading the team with 26.1 points while shooting 47.5% from the field. Dinwiddie averages 16.6 points and shoots 40.4% for 9.1 assists per game.

Dinwiddie a “second option”

Kuzma: “2nd option??? More like 2nd point guard Lol my man I watched you for two months at the end of your Wizards tenure (being the second option) averaging 8-4-4. Sounds good but glad you’re hooping now!”

True or False: During the 15 games Dinwiddie played through January and February 2022, he averaged 11.6 points, four rebounds and 6.3 assists per game – including a 27-point game against Portland on January 15, 2022. He was a starter in all 15 of those games. games.

That season, the team was led by Bradley Beal’s 23.2 points per game. Porzingis had 22.1 points per game, but only played 17 games. Dinwiddie was sixth in scoring. However, it is also important to point out that Dinwiddie partially tore the ACL and had surgery on January 4, 2021. Despite the surgery, he started the 2021-22 season, in which he and Kuzma were teammates, with no restrictions. Dinwiddie did not play the full schedule, but he started all 44 games in which he played while averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

Nevertheless, Dinwiddie has already made it clear that he has no problem not being the protagonist.

“At the end of my career, there’s one thing I want to be known for, other than being the guy who did whatever it took to win wherever he was, a guy who was also very honest,” said Dinwiddie.

“I know in a championship team I’m probably third man. Kind of like a Jrue Holiday with a Khris Middleton and you know, Giannis or whatever. I’m very sure of who I am in my career. I know when me “I’m on a really good team. I can be a number 2 kind of like I am here with the Brooklyn Nets. We’ve got Mikal, we’ve got me, we’re still a playoff team. We are able to keep the ship upright” .”





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