Watch: Jonathan Kuminga takes steps fitting in to Golden State Warriors system
![SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 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 - OCTOBER 14: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/14dd511f4c97195ecb0041b294fc94045b9e97aaf4628fc92242908a3546ad73.jpg)
It’s been a slow burn for Jonathan Kuminga so far this season, but last year’s seventh overall pick showed incredibly positive signs in the Golden State Warriors’ demolition of the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Kuminga’s overwhelming talent has always made him a productive player when on the floor — the issue is that half of that is mistake-ridden and non-conducive to the Warriors hopes of winning. The 20-year-old’s box score numbers — 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, 5-for-8 shooting, 3-for-4 from three — were impressive against the Spurs, but it was more so his style of play that felt different to what we’ve seen in the past.
Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs provided evidence that Jonathan Kuminga can learn and fit within the Golden State Warriors’ intricate system.
There’s no secret that the Warriors, particularly offensively, possess one of the more complicated and detailed system’s in the league. It’s this complexity that’s made it difficult for Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody to earn regular minutes this season.
Let’s take a look at seven clips (ironic given his draft position) that give credence to the possibility that Kuminga can be a Warriors-style player moving forward.
Firstly, the below pass to Anthony Lamb isn’t as easy as it may look — Doug McDermott has his hands up on-ball, Josh Richardson and JaMychal Green battling in Kuminga’s eye-sight just metres away. Yet he still finds the streaking Lamb who probably could have attempted a layup, but instead hits Moody for the three.
Probably most impressed with the Kuminga find here to be honest. pic.twitter.com/3tmtvFfU2e
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
Golden State’s offensive system does force you to make the right reads, and it helps if you can handle the ball a little as well. The below pass to Lamb was easier than the one above, but it’s nonetheless an encouraging sign for someone who’s often looking to get his own shot.
1/5
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
Jonathan Kuminga’s best game of the season deserves a rewind.
Firstly, a look into point-forward JK 👀
The Spurs fail to pick up Anthony Lamb down the floor - JK recognises and finds him for the easy layup. pic.twitter.com/S0OAut8IFA
Again, it’s all about making the right read as in the below clip, Kuminga notices no Spurs defender is picking him up on the perimeter. There’s major issues when he’s head down driving into traffic on the interior, but in this situation, even in his second season, Kuminga is damn near unstoppable.
2/5
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
Love the recognition here!
No one picks him up, giving JK a wide open lane to the rim. Good luck stopping him downhill in this situation.
Doug McDermott tries but he was no match once Kuminga got a full head of steam. pic.twitter.com/bwQqpl2FOx
Warriors basketball to a tee here in the below clip. With less than ten seconds on the shot clock and not much happening, Kuminga probably could have been excused for going to an isolation play. Instead, he directs a more experienced teammate, Kevon Looney, into the post before darting to the rim and getting sent to the line for two free-throws.
Proof JK can play Warriors-style basketball…
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
pic.twitter.com/C9Ely16sKM
In the fifth clip below, other versions of Kuminga would have put the ball on the floor and drove to the rim with the sole intention of getting his own shot. Control is the word that best summarises his game against the Spurs, and it was on full display here.
3/5
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
Fantastic patience here!
Makes his way into the paint but under full control. Let’s the play develop, draws the help and finds Lamb for the open three. pic.twitter.com/2wxhGZEivQ
Honestly, this leak out we see in the below clip is something Kuminga should be getting once a game. Golden State’s efficient, high-scoring night started with their active defense, and this was perhaps the highlight of it.
4/5
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
This is his bread-and-butter in the Warriors system.
Nice close out on the Johnson three, then beats him down the floor as Steph finds him beautifully for the thunderous jam! pic.twitter.com/0Bum3IZaSY
Finally, a nice little three-man game from the Warriors youngsters to close out the impressive team performance. It’s plays like this which demonstrate that, despite their struggles to open the season, the three recent lottery picks are learning, developing and maturing within the Golden State system.
5/5
— Peter O’Keefe (@POK252) November 15, 2022
Steve Kerr would love this from the three youngsters!
Moody hits Wiseman in the post, sets a screen on Kuminga’s man (Sochan), then JK duly converts on the open triple. pic.twitter.com/BSxjwxEI8M
It’s all about decision-making with Kuminga — the above clips show he has the physical attributes and ability to handle the ball in the open floor, to recognise and make the correct passes, to make an open three in the right scenario, and of course, to use his athleticism to run in transition for easy baskets.
It’s about eliminating the forced and rushed decisions — driving into traffic out of control and with nowhere to go, taking contested jumpshots with more than ten seconds on the shot clock, or calling isolation plays for himself when Stephen Curry or Jordan Poole are on the floor.
Next. Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr’s rotation decision baffling fans. dark
Those things were absent against the Spurs, helped by a lackadaisical defense which allowed Kuminga and the Warriors to rack up 132 points. What we saw from him was the level of a playoff contributor, and now it’s about building consistency particularly against high-level, experienced opposition.