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5 bold Golden State Warriors takes ahead of the 2023-24 regular season

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 and Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Curry made a three-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 18, 2023 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 18: Stephen Curry #30 and Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Curry made a three-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 18, 2023 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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Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga in action for the Golden State Warriors during preseason. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jonathan Kuminga will average 25+ minutes, become top four player on the team

If there was one individual positive for the Warriors in preseason, it was the production of third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga. While many expect a jump from the 21-year-old this season, his early form suggests that jump could be even bigger than first thought.

Kuminga averaged the second-most points in the entire league over preseason, finishing with 21.8 points per game on 54.7% shooting and 45.8% from three point range. The former seventh overall pick also averaged 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists, proving Golden State’s best player through the five games.

Right now, Kuminga could be evaluated as the franchise’s seventh best player behind their usual starting five and the recently acquired Chris Paul. However, he is assuredly talented enough to surge up the pecking order.

It’s not out of the realms of possibility that Kuminga becomes a top three or four player on the team by the end of this season. Not just because he’s good enough, but because the Warriors might genuinely need him to be.

Kuminga offers the sort of dynamic two-way wing talent that Golden State doesn’t have outside Andrew Wiggins. He has an unmatched ability to get to the rim, and subsequently might lead the Warriors in free-throw attempts per 36 minutes this season. If Kuminga all of a sudden ascends into a top four player, the franchise’s championship chances multiply ten-fold.

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