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Golden State Warriors: 1 aspect for every player to improve upon – Jonathan Kuminga

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
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As the 2023-24 NBA season draws near, Blue Man Hoop will focus on one aspect of potential improvement for every Warrior player.

Few face more important personal years than Jonathan Kuminga does in 2023-24. The third-year forward projects as one of the biggest x-factors in the Golden State Warriors season, with their ceiling as a team heavily linked with how much growth is in former seventh overall pick.

Many look at Kuminga’s perimeter shooting as the big area for improvement. Despite shooting a slightly above league average 37% from beyond the arc last season, teams are yet to respect his jumper in a manner that opens up teammates and other areas of his game.

If Kuminga can remain around 37-38%, teams will probably begin closing out to his jumpshot more than they have in the past, particularly if his general stature as a player increases. More than the three-point shooting, it’s another element of Kuminga’s game that’s key in him earning consistent rotation minutes.

Assist-to-turnover ratio

While Kuminga has shown elements of making plays off the dribble, his lack of consistency is a huge factor in Steve Kerr’s varying trust in the young forward throughout his first two seasons in the league.

Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors leaps in the air looking to pass the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center on May 07, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Kuminga has recorded the worst assist-to-turnover ratio of any Warrior player in each of his first two years. In his rookie season he recorded more turnovers than assists, and although his 1.32 ratio was an improvement in 2022-23, it was still the worst among a Golden State team who were plagued by turnover issues the entire season.
Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors leaps in the air looking to pass the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center on May 07, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Kuminga has recorded the worst assist-to-turnover ratio of any Warrior player in each of his first two years. In his rookie season he recorded more turnovers than assists, and although his 1.32 ratio was an improvement in 2022-23, it was still the worst among a Golden State team who were plagued by turnover issues the entire season. /

The 20-year-old has garnered some comparisons to Jaylen Brown throughout his early years, something that may derive from the weaknesses just as much as the strengths. Brown’s often insecure ball-handling has often been an issue, with the two-time All-Star ranked last of any Boston player in assist-to-turnover ratio last season.

With the offseason acquisitions of Cory Joseph and particularly Chris Paul, the Warriors will undoubtedly be focused on greater ball security this season. If Kuminga can’t improve that area of his game, it may become even more noticeable than it has in the past.

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No one’s expecting Kuminga to come out and be an elite playmaker, but it’s important he becomes a safe and efficient offensive creator when the ball is in his hands. At this point he’s failed to prove that consistently, ultimately playing a big part in his omission from the rotation during the postseason.

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