After selecting Jonathan Kuminga seventh overall in this past NBA draft many wondered how he would fit with the current Golden State Warriors stars and what type of impact he would have in his rookie year.
Well as we sit here in February with Kuminga being named to the rising stars game, his impact is far beyond what most expected in his first season. He is a human highlight reel, the combo of his elite athleticism and relentless motor make him a must-watch.
Jonathan Kuminga has been having the best stretch of his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors as the Rising Star shows out.
In February, Kuminga is averaging 15.3 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and shooting 60.3% from the field. He is also playing more this month than any other during the season, his 26.4 minutes per game are a big reason for his continued development.
The rookie’s most impressive performance of the month was against the Los Angeles Lakers this past weekend. He started that game and went 8-11 from the field, scoring 18 points and adding nine rebounds.
Head coach Steve Kerr had this to say about Kuminga after that game,
Steve Kerr: “Jonathan (Kuminga) was our best player for the first three quarters.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 13, 2022
On a team with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, it is rare that another player on the Warriors would be the best on the floor, let alone a rookie.
Kuminga plays aggressively on both ends of the floor with his spin move becoming his go-to move to get to the rim. He has even shown the ability to knock down open three-pointers when teams leave him open. He is currently shooting 32.2% from three which is solid for a player that still needs to develop his jumper.
The 19-year-old has great play strength for such a young age as well. He can bounce off defenders and throw down monster dunks. Contact does not phase him when he is headed to the rim.
Jonathan Kuminga defying gravity once again 👀pic.twitter.com/FxaGkYJYFN
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2022
Now as Kuminga heads to the rising stars game he will be a part of Team Payton, with coach Gary Payton who of course is the father of his Warriors teammate Gary Payton II. On team Payton, Kuminga will get to team up with LaMelo Ball who is known for his elite passing ability. In other words, you are not gonna want to miss that pairing.
In addition to his profound basketball skills, what makes Kuminga unique is that he is from the Republic of Congo. That country has helped shape him into the player he is today saying,
"It's really big, especially for a lot of people back home... It's a good feeling having a continent cheering for you."
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) February 17, 2022
-Jonathan Kuminga says playing in the Rising Stars game means a lot to people back in Africa, he says many stay up all night to watch his games. #dubnation
Well over the next 10-15 years the Republic of Congo and Dub Nation should have plenty to cheer for at the hands of Mr. Kuminga.