Wiseman’s absence will mean a huge opportunity for Warriors’ Kuminga

Within the next month, the Golden State Warriors will commence their playoff run.

Golden State is in a good position moving forward with the exception of the injured Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP is expected to return prior to the playoffs. That will be a huge question mark for the Dubs over the next few weeks.

The Golden State Warriors will not have James Wiseman have an option in the playoffs, giving Jonathan Kuminga a major opportunity.

One other question that they recently gave an answer to was when 7-foot center James Wiseman would return, and fans will have to wait until late 2022 to see the former No. 2 overall pick on the court.

Wiseman’s rookie season was ended with a torn meniscus, and given multiple setbacks, he’s still yet to get on the court for the Warriors this season, having played a few games for the Dubs’ G-League affiliate.

A few weeks ago, it was extremely likely Wiseman was going to see the court. Swelling forced the Dubs to shut him down and put his focus on next season. Also, implementing Wiseman into the rotation late in the season wouldn’t have been easy either.

What’s Wiseman’s absence is going to mean is more Jonathan Kuminga. The No. 7 overall pick was not expected to have much of a role this season, but his continued excellent play is going to get him a spot in the playoff rotation.

Kuminga is averaging 9.3 points per game. What’s most impressive about Kuminga has been his efficiency, which many seemed to be worried about coming into the season. He’s hitting 51.3% of his shots from the field and also knocks down 0.7 triples per game.

Kuminga understands the flow of the game as well and plays excellently as a role player, coming off screens and getting into the lane with his cuts and off-ball movements.

There’s been nothing but praise for the 19-year-old all season long, and he’s going to get a shot as a big man for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. For that to be where he is tells quite a bit about the Warriors development staff and just how misjudged his potential was this past summer.

Kuminga is averaging 16.7 minutes per game this season, and with Draymond Green healthy, I expect Kuminga to stay around that range given his high level of play. Wiseman being out will help keep Kuminga as a key big man for the undersized Dubs.