Golden State Warriors: With Draymond out, Jonathan Kuminga must shine

It was a critical blow to a team that is already gearing up for its most challenging stretch of the season yet. Draymond Green has entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols and the Golden State Warriors will be counting on Jonathan Kuminga to rise to the occasion.

Green joins Moses Moody and Damion Lee in the protocol. Two other Warriors, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole, were previously in protocol but have been cleared to return.

The Golden State Warriors are going to miss Draymond Green but his absence will grant Jonathan Kuminga a massive opportunity.

While Wiggins can replicate Green’s versatility with his length and athleticism — and Nemanja Bjelica will likely rack up plenty of minutes in Draymond’s absence — Kuminga is the one most suitable to thrive under these circumstances.

While only 19 years old, Kuminga is the ideal build to play a Draymond-esque style of basketball. He’s proven to be a hardnosed defender and this serves as an opportunity for him to get even more reps acting like a ball hawk on defense.

The Warriors, who already have the league’s best Defensive Rating at 101.8, are even better when Kuminga is on the floor. In Kuminga’s 208 minutes this season, the Dubs hold a 96.6 Defensive Rating.

Analytics never tell the full story and I’d be lying if I told you Kuminga doesn’t look like a rookie on defense but his potential to impact each game is not up for debate. When Kuminga is locked in and playing to his strengths as a help defender, he’s pretty damn good.

This increased opportunity should help Kumiga find his niche on offense, as well. He’s clearly most comfortable attacking the rim, where he is converting over 66 percent of his drives to the hoop.

Kuminga has also found a rhythm from deep lately, hitting 7-of-12 attempts over his last four games.

Green being sidelined is going to hurt the Warriors. But, it could be a blessing in disguise if Kuminga is able to step up and shine.