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Evaluating Jonathan Kuminga’s up-and-down Summer League to date

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a technical foul shot against the LA Clippers in the first half during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 08, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a technical foul shot against the LA Clippers in the first half during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 08, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors‘ Jonathan Kuminga has had a rather compelling Summer League through two games, displaying signs of his immense talent alongside disappointing components he desperately needs to work on.

The still 19-year-old was incredibly quiet in game one against the New York Knicks on Friday, but conversely, was everywhere (both good and bad) in his second game of Summer League action.

Jonathan Kuminga’s 28 points and seven rebounds led the Golden State Warriors to an 86-85 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

Many expected Kuminga to absolutely dominate this level of competition, coming on the back of the Warriors NBA championship where he’d started for three games against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.

It was an impressive rookie season for the number seven overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, averaging 9.3 points on over 50% from the floor in 70 regular-season games.

Kuminga’s wild athleticism was always a standout, but his defensive prowess was a welcome surprise for a team that could do with another elite lockdown wing outside Andrew Wiggins.

He also improved his three-point shooting as the season progressed, drilling a respectable 33.6% from beyond the arc. While he had major struggles at times from the free-throw line, his 68.4% was a basis on which to work moving forward.

While there were signs of dominance against the Spurs, there were also concerning signs for someone who’d made major strides during his rookie year.

Evaluating Summer League performances are often difficult. Not only do you need to analyze the game itself, but you need to assess how much weight should be put into it? In other words, what things will and won’t translate to the NBA level?

Before we take a deep dive, it should be noted that Kuminga only recently returned to the United States following a period in his native Congo. He missed the entire California Classic series at Chase Center, before joining the team in Las Vegas last week.

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