Golden State Warriors need Jonathan Kuminga to develop as a defender
While the Golden State Warriors embark on a journey back to the NBA Finals sooner rather than late — Jonathan Kuminga will need to be surveying how he can help the team most in their pursuit of another title.
If there is one skill to bank on, it’s defense. Playing defense mostly comes down to hustle, attention to detail and physical capabilities. Kuminga has one of these attributes as he’s already a hulk of a prospect who can hold his own against all types of opponents.
Kuminga’s strength will help him fit in most of the Warriors’ lineups. He can defend the perimeter and contain drives to the hoop with his size. But, his ability to learn the game and provide energy every night is something he has to prove.
Playing along Draymond Green will bode well for Kuminga as far as becoming a defensive mastermind goes. However, only Kuminga can motivate himself to truly exert maximum energy every single night. If he can somehow find that internal fuel that Green uses to propel himself — then Kuminga will waste no time building a defensive reputation.