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“Not to Be Played With”: Jada Pinkett Smith Petrifies Kyle Kuzma With “Drug Selling” Revelation

Published 10/13/2023, 4:02 PM EDT

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For many who come to the NBA, the realities are harsh. That is why we see many among them revisiting their past life and getting overwhelmed by their own success. They are one of the few people who make it out of harsh conditions. Therefore, many can relate to each other experiences. These athletes can form bonhomies with people from other fields thriving alongside them. 

Therefore, some stories can resonate loudly and prove that there have been mutual challenges. Thus, there is a community within the community recognizing those who suffered some pains growing up. In this wake, Kyle Kuzma acknowledges the grit of one of the most well-renowned performers in cinema history, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Jada Pinkett Smith earns laurels from Kuzma

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Kuzma comes from Flint, Michigan. It is one of the most ferocious places to live in. 18 days before the 2017 NBA Draft, the Wizards Forward told CBS what it was like growing up in Flint. He said, “Basketball in Flint, with it being so violent, you know that every day is not guaranteed. And that’s the lesson that I’ve taken with me onto the basketball court. Every day is not guaranteed. You may get hurt one day, or you may be in the NBA and you might get waived. So, you just have to really live it.”.

USA Today via Reuters

He has first-hand experience of violence in the streets. That’s why he could understand Jada Pinkett Smith’s steely nature when he encountered one of her interviews. In his story, Kuzma wrote,”Shawtyyy not to be played with”. The story redirects to a post by The Shade Room. In this post, the show promoters write about interviewing Jada. They attach some snippets where she discusses her connection with Will Smith and she also goes on about an experience from her teenage years.

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She talks about how she sold drugs and was in constant danger. This is the part that Kuzma reflected in his story.

It is clear that the stellar actress has covered thorny roads. Her testimony reflects the roots from which she emerged. This is a tale of an underdog making it big. And Kyle Kuzma has also made it big. For further name recognition, he would like to nab that All-Star berth too.

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Will this be an All-Star Season for Kyle Kuzma?

Last season, Kuzma averaged a career-high 21.2 points along with 7.2 rebounds a game. He also had a career-best 3.7 assists per game. However, his improved game didn’t help the Wizards, even a Playoff team. Not having a sustainable option at Point Guard was a problem. Now, they have emerging Jordan Poole who will have to prove himself all over again. If Poole gets it over 20 points a game and becomes a much better passer, Kuzma can benefit. The young Guard has already received huge praise from Kevin Garnett, who compared him to James Harden. Kuzma himself has likened him to Curry.

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He can benefit both to get open looks and also a chance at a better record. Will the 2020 champion regain some footing in the postseason?

Watch This Story: Despite Jordan Poole’s Bad Blood With Draymond Green, Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Shows Ex-DPOY’s 21YO Teammate Some Love

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Written by:

Shubham Singh

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Shubham is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He became a fan of the NBA in late 2000s and his interest skyrocketed after Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in Six Games during 2011 NBA Finals. He loves looking into playing styles of different players and teams while also trying to analyse what circumstances shape a typical NBA game.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja