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Versatility key to increased impact for Golden State Warriors’ youngster

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the Denver Nuggets in the second 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: Head coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the Denver Nuggets in the second 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) /
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While the 2022-23 season didn’t end the way he’d hoped, there was plenty to like about Jonathan Kuminga’s second season in the NBA. The 20-year-old was a crucial piece to the Golden State Warriors’ regular season rotation, but found himself stapled to the bench during a postseason that saw the franchise eliminated in the conference semifinals.

It’s left Kuminga’s future in a state of uncertainty, with the Warriors’ offseason to be predicated on navigating their wavering two-timeline plan. The former top ten pick deserves increased opportunity, though he also needs to earn it by adding to his talented but raw individual game.

Versatility will be key for Jonathan Kuminga as he looks to grow his game following a disappointing conclusion to the Golden State Warriors’ season.

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr was criticized heavily for his lack of faith in Kuminga during the playoffs. He gave a candid response when asked on Tuesday, also detailing how he can grow his game during the offseason.

"“I think the biggest thing was with Wiggs and Gary in place again, it lessened the need for what JK’s strength is right now which is on-ball defense…The best way for him to get more playing time is to become a more versatile player…Rebounding is a huge thing for JK…and continuing to work on all the things that he’s working on already — the shooting and the ball-handling, the court vision.”"

Kuminga’s rebounding, or lack thereof, became a frustrating element for fans and undoubtedly the coaching staff throughout the season. Alongside Andrew Wiggins, he’s easily the best raw athlete on the Warriors’ roster, yet that failed to translate to a major presence on the boards. Despite averaging over 20 minutes per game, he ranked just equal-eighth on the team for average rebounds at 3.9 per game, and eighth too for box-outs per game at 0.3.

After a slow star Kuminga improved his three-point percentage to a more than respectable 37% on the season, yet that respect didn’t translate to opposition defenses. All 54 of his makes from deep were considered open or wide open as teams willingly allowed him shots from beyond the arc.

Kuminga has the elements of versatility — he can handle the ball, he can shoot, his size and athleticism should make him a strong rebounder. Yet Kerr’s right, none of those facets are to the level where they positively impact the Warriors in any meaningful way.

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With little financial flexibility, and with a number of players having dropped in trade value across the season, Golden State may be forced to run it back with a similar squad next season. If that’s the case, Kuminga will need to take a major leap for the Warriors to re-enter championship calculations.

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