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Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga growing in front of our eyes

By William Spencer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors interact after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on November 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 137-114. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors interact after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on November 27, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 137-114. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Kuminga is fast becoming a jewel in the loaded 2021 draft class. The growing 6’8″ forward, a consensus five-star recruit, chose to forgo his college eligibility to sign a $500,00 contract to join the NBA G League Ignite. The Golden State Warriors then swooped with the seventh pick in the draft, and cut from the cloth of his heritage, the Congolese national is quickly making a name for himself in the league.

Jonathan Kuminga sparkled in the Golden State Warriors’ recent disappointing loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center on Sunday.

Kuminga was the draft day surprise of the 2021 NBA Draft. Projected to be drafted with the fifth pick by the Orlando Magic, Orlando selected Gonzaga University’s point guard, Jalen Suggs. With the sixth pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Josh Giddey from Australia, whose name was on top of Bob Myers’ draft board at pick seven.

Warriors Twitter and many draft day experts were disappointed that Myers did not use the pick to select Franz Wagner or Davion Mitchell, but it could prove a blessing as Kuminga seeks to extend the Warriors’ dynasty. His promise was revealed in his rookie year, but with displays of maturity in recent games, Kuminga has finally gained the trust of Steve Kerr and the coaching staff.

It’s clear that the NBA game is becoming less intense and more manageable for Kuminga, allowing him to make decisions and plays much more efficiently. Before missing eight straight games due to a sprained right foot, Kuminga had averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a 9.3 plus/minus in a four-game stretch.

With his seven-foot wingspan and elite athleticism, Kuminga can defend multiple positions with the potential to become a lockdown defender. The second-year forward has locked down a place in the rotation and could even see more gametime with Kerr’s recent decision to start Jordan Poole in place of Kevon Looney.

In just his second game back from injury, Kuminga was Golden State’s second-leading scorer with 20 points in under 25 minutes against the Nets. He was also second on the team in plus-minus at +13 in the four-point loss, prompting Kerr to play him in the final minutes over All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins.

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Kuminga is a consistent jumpshot and experience away from becoming a genuine NBA star. In a season that’s otherwise been a disappointing one for the 23-24 Warriors, he’s been a shining light thus far.

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