Jonathan Kuminga didn’t quite leave the impression he was hoping for in the 2022 Las Vegas Summer League. How should the Golden State Warriors feel?
Selected No. 7 overall in last year’s NBA Draft, the 19-year-old appeared in 70 regular season games and 16 playoff games, starting in three as the Warriors added a championship banner to their collection.
Throughout his rookie season, Kuminga flashed his upside as a two-way, combo forward who can thrive in a versatile environment.
Kuminga’s playing time was limited but this did not stop him from leaving an impact on the Warriors. For most fans, Kuminga is the crown jewel of Golden State’s young core.
That is why everyone is feeling a bit underwhelmed by his performance in Summer League.
Jonathan Kuminga did not look up to par in the Las Vegas Summer League but the Golden State Warriors should not feel concerned.
To be clear, Kuminga was far from bad in the Summer League. He averaged 19.3 points per game and scored 29 points against the Boston Celtics.
But, his early performances left even Draymond Green with a bitter taste in his mouth.
"“I thought Jonathan Kuminga was so, so, so bad in the game that I went to when they were playing the New York Knicks. I thought he was very, very bad. He didn’t look engaged.”Draymond Green via The Draymond Green Show"
Overall, Kuminga shot 40% from the field, 20% from the 3-point line and averaged more turnovers than assists.
It’s just the Summer League, so no one should be raising any eyebrows — but, on that same note, it is just the Summer League — you’d think Kuminga would dominate with ease.
This was true for Moses Moody, who led everyone in scoring with 27.5 points per game. He was not perfect either but Moody showed a sense of poise and activity that Kuminga lacked for most of the Summer League.
All in all, there is not much stock to be placed here. Kuminga remains one of the most exciting young players in the NBA.