We may not have to wait for Jonathan Kuminga. perhaps. If his past two performances are any indication of what’s to come, this should be an easy decision for the Warriors.
Please play him. And eventually pay him.
Kuminga has gone from the edge of the bench to a spot in the rotation in less than a week, and maybe even gets a little more of a chance to break into the starting lineup at some point.
That’s because the pleas from the coaching staff and teammates seem to have stuck with the 6-foot-7, 220-pound third-year forward.
“He’s been near the rim the last two games,” coach Steve Kerr told reporters Monday in Phoenix, where the Warriors will play the Suns on Tuesday night. “That’s one of the things we’ve been trying to help him with, is use his athleticism, power and strength to get closer to the rim and spin rather than fly out. To the power of his cuts. Relying on it more, coming out of the dunker spot, making myself available to catch and go right up and finish.”
This is an adjustment. Kuminga were often willing to wander around the paint rather than invade it. There, he could be the impact player the front office envisioned with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft, while also providing a different element to the perimeter-oriented Warriors.
On a roster without a wealth of athletic talent, Kuminga stands out. Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and J.K. are known for their athletic ability to attack the rim with a vengeance.
“It’s no secret that we don’t have a high-performing team,” Chris Paul said. “His athleticism is what gives us a different perspective. When he cuts and cuts, JK is one of those guys who can do a little bit of everything, even the wigs. When he’s attacking the rim, it’s It gives us a whole different dimension.”
Kuminga’s last two games (last Wednesday against Portland and last Friday against Oklahoma City) have been very encouraging. He played a total of 44 minutes, scoring 37 points on 16-of-27 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Particularly pleasing for the Warriors is that just six of their 27 attempts came from beyond the arc. In the previous four games, 11 of his 24 shots were from long range, which likely contributed to his being benched.
“Two games ago, he was 6-for-6,” Kerr said. “I think all six of his buckets were in the paint (and they were). If he can establish his game near the rim, everything will ease up and he’ll be able to make more plays on the perimeter.
“But as a young player, he presents himself as some kind of ‘3’ who can really do anything. He feels he needs to establish a power game inside and finishing. He’s done that in the past two games and should be able to get more playing time. ”
The Warriors want Kuminga to play defense at the point of attack. He would catch a lob and dunk. He only shoots 3-pointers when open, as well as shooting 28.0 percent from deep. He’ll drive smartly, take care of the ball, and calculate whether it’s wise to drive the ball to the rim or kick it out to an open shooter.
Sure, there are a lot of questions to ask, but that’s the long-term hope.
Kuminga, 21, entered the league with hopes of becoming the next Kobe Bryant. He now seems to realize that there is a huge gap between his own career and the heights that Kobe has reached.
Additionally, JK’s recent play suggests he is more motivated to do what’s best for the team than he was last month. The surest path is to earn playing time on a team with so many veterans.
“He’s been responding really well the last few weeks,” Kerr said. “We have been talking about this with all the young people before it happened. We talked with Moses. [Moody] And J.K. Once we’re fully healthy and everyone is available, someone will be taken out of the rotation. Part of it is how we respond. That’s a big part of being a professional. How do you deal with adversity?
“Moses and J.K. both had great reactions. They understood that and made the most of the opportunity when they got it. That’s what you’re looking for. So, Both players will definitely be part of the rotation.”
That could change. Kuminga’s game still has some rough spots. He has more turnovers (29) than assists (20), commits a personal foul roughly every eight minutes, and can be a ball stopper at times. He can be sullen.
But there are clear signs of progress. It’s only been two games, but every game is very important for the Warriors. This is the third year of Kuminga’s four-year rookie contract, and they retain an option for next season. This season, with Paul supporting him, is JK’s best chance to prove he is worthy of a significant salary increase in the summer of 2025.
The Warriors have gained enough experience this season that they know they need an infusion of youth and improved athleticism. Kuminga has the profile to do both.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast