Golden State Warriors are desperately missing Jonathan Kuminga’s defense

It’s unusual to consider that the reigning NBA champions would be desperately missing a second-year developing player, but that’s exactly the case with the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga.

The 20-year-old has been missing since the Warriors’ last game of 2022 against the Portland Trail Blazers, having suffered a foot sprain in the teams’ come from behind six-point win.

There’s no coincidence that the Golden State Warriors defense has taken a dive in the absence of athletic forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Kuminga’s combination of length, strength and speed make him an intriguing prospect, but he’s already one of the Warriors’ best point-of-attack defenders in year two. The former number seven overall pick knows that his path to increasing minutes starts with his defense, and that mentality combined with the physical attributes gives Kuminga a unique capacity on that end of the floor.

Prior to his injury, head coach Steve Kerr had been given Kuminga increasing opportunities, particularly on the defensive end. He’s spent stretches guarding some of the league’s elite players, including the likes of Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball.

Kuminga played an important role in the Warriors opening four wins of the just completed homestand, including being a part of closing lineups. Over those games, Golden State conceded just 108 points per game. In contrast, Kuminga’s four-game absence has seen Golden State concede 121 points during regulation minutes (not accounting for double overtime against the Atlanta Hawks), and they’re 21st in defensive rating across this period.

There’s no coincidence in those numbers. He might be young, but Kuminga brings a defensive element the Warriors simply can’t replace. Andrew Wiggins is the only similar type in terms of size and athleticism, yet he can’t be expected to be at his best so soon after his own injury issue. Klay Thompson no longer has the lateral movement, and although Donte DiVincenzo has the instincts and work ethic, he lacks the size and explosiveness.

Then you’ve got Draymond Green, but he does his best work off the ball in help situations. The veteran’s defense during the win-streak was unbelievably good, but there’s also no coincidence that it was aided by Kuminga’s pressure further up on the perimeter.

In a shock 125-113 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday, Golden State’s defense continually broke down despite the Suns lacking major shot-creating and playmaking elements. It felt like the kind of game where Kuminga could have played 20-25 minutes, not only for the defense but even just to provide some enthusiasm to a lifeless Warrior outfit over the first three-quarters.

Golden State fans should receive an injury update on Kuminga, along with fellow recent lottery pick James Wiseman, in an update from the franchise over the next 48 hours.