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Wizards' Kyle Kuzma Says He's Retiring Iconic NBA Tunnel Outfits: 'It's Ludicrous'

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 26, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards warms up before the preseason game against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has been known for his memorable fits while walking in the tunnel into NBA locker rooms before games, but he's changing up his style.

Kuzma spoke about the matter to Leah Faye Cooper of Vogue and explained why he won't be donning eye-catching outfits anymore.

"I don't want to be a part of that type of community where you have to put on a fit," Kuzma said. "I'm really taking a backseat to all of that."

Kuzma said he was a "a pretty evident person within the tunnel years ago" but added that he's moved on.

"I can speak from experience that when you're a younger player, you don't want to wear the same thing twice. A lot of times we get played into thinking, oh, we gotta switch it up, we gotta buy something new. And now we're just buying clothes to impress people or to stand out. It's ludicrous."

The NBA has come a long way since commissioner David Stern implemented a business casual dress code in 2005.

That's gone by the wayside now, allowing players to fully express themselves. Kuzma's fits were certainly notable over the years, but it appears he's had a change of heart.

The 29-year-old forward is in his eighth NBA season and fourth with Washington. He averaged a career-high 22.2 points per game to go along with 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season.