Golden State Warriors: 3 Players who have earned a spot in the rotation

3. Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors never counted on Jonathan Kuminga being a key player in his rookie season. The team is talented enough without him and considering he was projected to be a work-in-progress entering the NBA — most assumed Kuminga would spend most of his first year as a reserve.

This has rung true for most of his rookie stint.

Kuminga has played just 24 career games, for a measly average of 9.4 minutes per game. His 255 total minutes is only the 27th most of his rookie class and Kuminga has bounced back and forth from the NBA and G-League to start his career.

Yet, he had a chance to play extended minutes recently due to numerous players entering health and safety protocols. Kuminga responded triumphantly, posting the three highest scoring games of his young career over a five game stretch.

Tim Kawakami of The Athletic describe Kuminga’s style as a “stampede” and I think this suits him well. He’s bull dozing his way to the rim with no fear of who is in front of him.

This type of constant pressure on the basket, along with sturdy defense, will keep Kuminga in the rotation even when the Dubs enter win-now mode.