Jonathan Kuminga’s Ascension and it’s Importance in the Coming Weeks
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is in the midst of his fourth NBA season and has played arguably the best stretch of basketball of his young NBA career as of late. Last week the 22 year-old posted back-to-back career high scoring nights, going for 34 in a loss to the Clippers and win over the Suns.
Warriors fans have heard the organization’s desire to house “two timelines” in which they simultaneously compete for a championship and develop their young core. Though Golden State reached the mountain top in 2022 off the back of Stephen Curry and all star season from Andrew Wiggins, they have struck out when it comes to developing (and keeping) that talent around.
Kuminga, in a lot of ways serves as the Warriors last hope for someone to burst into stardom. James Wiseman was a flop, Jordan Poole developed and was a key component into winning a championship and was traded for now nothing.
The Warriors have been in need of a second scoring option to compliment Curry for arguably the past two seasons, and Kuminga has been the guy the front office and coaching staff has been banking on for what feels like sometime now. Head coach Steve Kerr believes that right now he is turning a corner, and that it feels different than last season’s bump in offensive production.
“I think this was his fifth straight great game, even the last game when he didn’t shoot well. I loved his rebounding and I loved his effort. I just think he is continuing to break through and understand exactly what role we need from him,” Kerr said following Golden State’s 139-105 win over Philadelphia Thursday night.
Kuminga has shown, be it a small sample size, his effectiveness to score going to the basket along with an improved outside jumpshot that he can even be the Dubs leading scorer on nights the 36 year-old Curry doesn’t have it.
“You can just tell he’s getting comfortable. He knows now I’m going to get the ball, I’m going to have my opportunities to score,” Draymond Green said. “He’s driving, he’s collapsing the defense and if he can finish it, he’s going for it. If not, he’s kicking it out finding wide open shooters.”
Golden State knew Kuminga was far from a finished product and would be a long term project when they selected him seventh overall in the 2021 NBA draft at 18 years-old prior to a season they knew they were looking to contend for a championship.
The alternative route that the Warriors have avoided for four seasons is dealing with Kuminga in hopes of improving the roster as currently constructed. That possibility seems more relevant than ever, with an aging Curry seemingly growing tired of the constant state of average the team has displayed over the past three seasons.
“Like the kids say, we’re very mid right now. Just very average,” Curry said following a loss to Cleveland at home on Monday night.
After a 12-3 start to the season, the Dubs are 17-16, good for ninth in the Western conference.
The NBA trade deadline is slated for Thursday, Feb. 6. Depending on Kuminga’s play in the next month will determine what the future of the Warriors looks like. If Golden State does not feel Kuminga is an adequate secondary piece to play alongside Curry, the coming weeks might just be a showcase for Kuminga to maximize his trade value.
(Photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)