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3 Golden State Warriors who could feel the pressure of expected Kuminga/Moody growth

By Peter O'Keefe

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jonathan Kuminga #00 after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jonathan Kuminga #00 after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Moses Moody and Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors go for a rebound with Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 104-101 Lakers win in game four of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Moses Moody and Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors go for a rebound with Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 104-101 Lakers win in game four of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Andrew Wiggins

After a sporadic season where he missed 45 regular season games, Andrew Wiggins is looking to re-establish his All-Star best in 2023-24. However, there’s a chance that’s limited somewhat by the rise of Kuminga.

With Chris Paul added into the mix, Wiggins may spend more time at the four — he played 26% of time as a power-forward last season. If that’s the case, there may be nights where Kuminga’s impact is so great that he commands 30+ minutes on the floor. Not to say that will be a consistent occurrence, but Wiggins may be the one that sees his role reduced somewhat.

Both share similarities in their game — they’re hyper athletic two-way forwards who are generally off-ball players but have the capacity to post-up and make plays in isolation. At this stage Wiggins is the far more consistent shooter, but that gap may be closing given Kuminga’s three-point numbers late last season and his 4-8 shooting from deep in the preseason opener.

The Canadian was fairly quiet on Saturday against the Lakers, recording six points and three rebounds in nearly 14 minutes of play. His aggressiveness was notable on a couple of occasions, but he failed to convert at the free-throw line finishing 1-4.

Golden State will need both Wiggins and Kuminga to have significant impact this season, particularly given their general lack of size and athleticism. There will be times when only one of them can be in a five-man unit and don’t be surprised if Kuminga’s preferred every now and again.

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