Can Jonathan Kuminga earn a spot in the Warriors starting 5?

A broad-shouldered and muscled Jonathan Kuminga was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors’ clinical domination against the Chicago Bulls.

He contributed to 25 of the side’s 138 points as they restricted Zach LaVine & Co to just 96 points. It was an absolute humdinger of a game where Kuminga, not born during the Bulls dynasty, tamed them with absolute disdain.

Over the course of the season, Kuminga drafted with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft was dubbed patchy.

A classic example was when he would actually be a spectator at times while on defense duty (watching him play against the Sacramento Kings led to this statement), and there have been times when the energy levels that were on full display at the G League were actually all over the place.

But those 25 points, some elite defense that showcased his ability to read the game, the athleticism, and the size advantage proved that he was well on his way to be the next star, and one for the future for Golden State.

Forward to the next game where the Minnesota Timberwolves carved out a 119-99 win. Kuminga logged in 33 minutes in comparison to the 25.36 against Chicago. He made 19 points with seven rebounds and one assist.

What matters for Jonathan Kuminga is how he manages to stay hot in a season that’s got enough games to go. Can he be consistent? Can he make those plays that showed his tactical acumen in the G League?

Agreed that the absence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were glaring factors in their loss the previous game, but in the latter’s absence, Kuminga provides the frontcourt answer, but despite the electric performances and the two-way game, he’s still a work in progress.

What helps the Warriors and Kuminga is the home-game stretch they have starting Tuesday. They take on the Detroit Pistons (10-32) followed by the Indiana Pacers (15-28) and the Houston Rockets (13-32) — teams that give him a chance to log goof minutes coming off the bench.

For now, Green’s absence means more minutes naturally for Kuminga. Otto Porter Jr. started against the Timberwolves and is likely to continue to take that spot till Green returns. Ideally, this is a preferred option considering the young man’s defense is still yet to be watertight.

Kuminga can score, even though much of the offense rests on Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Andrew Wiggins. And in a way, it’s also a lot to expect him to fill Green’s sneakers.

And now, to finally answer that question of him being able to bag a starter role, it’s a possibility if there is a freak injury and he’s needed to step up, but otherwise, Kuminga will log in healthy playing time even as a reserve.

Per The Athletic, Steve Kerr, after the win against Chicago was lavish in his praise for the 19-year-old. But he also had some wise words of wisdom:

"“That’s the first step for JK. To understand his gifts are so unique athletically. They jump out even in an NBA game. Taking advantage of those gifts now allows him to build a foundation, then from there, his shooting will improve, understanding of the game will improve, overall skill level will improve. But what I liked about the last two nights is it’s the hardest I’ve seen him run the floor on consecutive nights.”"

For now, a starting slot is pretty much out of the equation even in Green’s absence. What Kuminga can do is hone his game and adapt to Golden State’s famed read-and-react plays. It has been the building block of their offense and requires ample game awareness — something he has to a good degree.

Again, Jonathan Kuminga in the starting five? Not yet. But that day surely isn’t far.