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Golden State Warriors grooming Jonathan Kuminga into fan favourite’s role

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 25, 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 - NOVEMBER 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 25, 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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It’s been a slow burn for Jonathan Kuminga but after an uncertain start to the season, the goalposts around his role are firmly in position at the Golden State Warriors. He played it to a tee against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, earning further trust from Steve Kerr in a 20-minute outing for the former number seven overall pick.

But what exactly does Kerr want from his talented youngster? The pair were seen embracing after the final whistle against the Timberwolves, with Kuminga’s short-term role likely to be akin to last season’s fan-favourite Gary Payton II.

The Golden State Warriors are grooming Jonathan Kuminga to play Gary Payton’s invaluable role from last season’s championship-winning playoff run.

Much was made of Payton’s departure in the offseason and that’s only grown since Golden State’s begun the season in underwhelming fashion. The Warriors have begun to bounceback over recent games, and Kuminga’s certainly taking his place in that turnaround.

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It all starts with the defensive end of the floor — Kuminga is by no means the complete, difference-making, point-of-attack defender Payton is or was for the Warriors, but he has the same sort of high-level quick-twitch movement that’s incredibly rare across the league. Kuminga has a few extra inches on Payton as well, making him an even more versatile defender should everything come together over time.

Offensively, Payton found a niche last season despite limitations. Kuminga has the same sort of attributes and also has the flexibility to work effectively — whether that’s playing in the weakside  corner or wing and cutting at the right time, shooting the odd wide-open three, playing in the dunker’s spot, or playing as the roller in a pick-and-roll with Stephen Curry or Jordan Poole.

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It’s clear that Kerr and the coaching staff have earmarked Kuminga as the one recent lottery pick who they believe can grow into a playoff contributor this season. Long-term they and Kuminga will be hoping he develops into a superstar, but for now, the 20-year-old is showing signs that he can become the defensive-minded bench wing that Golden State need heading into the postseason.

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