Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga shows first signs at NBA level

Nov 12, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

How Kuminga did offensively

Offensively, Kuminga seems to fit in next to Curry, not the easiest job to do as we’ve seen with some players previously.

He’s even been given some ball-handling duties, his first basket against the Bulls coming from a Curry screen at the top of the perimeter that allowed Kuminga to get downhill and finish at the rim.

That’s where his value will ultimately come from on the offensive end. He serves little purpose simply sitting on the perimeter watching the play develop, his jump shot unable to be trusted at this point.

His work in transition is also a key element to his game, something the Warriors can take advantage of right away. Within the first few minutes of the second quarter against the Hornets, he got out in transition three times and was found by Curry for easy baskets.

Kerr has already discussed Kuminga’s feel for passing, an important aspect given his threat at the rim should collapse defenses consistently. He’s got to prove his value to earn minutes, but Kerr also has to put him in a position to be able to do so.

The Bulls matchup was really the perfect game for him. He could blend meaningful minutes next to Curry with garbage minutes that allowed him to further expand on his offensive talents, two thunderous dunks in the last minute punctuating his performance.

The Hornets game was a tighter contest which meant Kerr went for greater experience in the second half, a little surprising given how impressive Kuminga was in the first half.

The Warriors will be hoping it’s the start of a prosperous rookie season, the commencing of a long Warrior career.