The Golden State Warriors have chosen to ease in Jonathan Kuminga in the beginning stage of his development at the NBA level. After experiencing a variety of injuries to key players as of late, he’s received extended run and has been making the most of it.
Kuminga has scored in double-figures in four consecutive games he’s appeared in with three being a stretch of three games in four nights. He’s averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 24.5 minutes per game during this span of games.
Perhaps most impressive of all has been Jonathan Kuminga’s previous two outings. He finished with 19 points and seven rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, but before that performance, he registered a career-high 25 points on 10-of-12 (83.3 percent) from the floor and 2-of-4 (50 percent) from deep against the Chicago Bulls.
Some of the flashes that Kuminga has displayed even commanded comparisons to two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from his coach Steve Kerr.
“When you look at where Giannis is now, and you think about him as a rookie, you got to think about J.K.,” Kerr said. “Total inexperience, not much knowledge of the NBA, not much understanding of what’s going on yet but that’s exactly where Giannis was a decade ago or whenever it was when he first came into the league.”
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Where Jonathan Kuminga gets momentum in his favor attacking downhill, he’s a load to handle and can be a real force playing through contact and above the rim. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he’s got lots of physical tools coupled with elite athleticism to work with.
“I don’t know that there is a more athletic, physically-imposing player in the league than Giannis and he has learned how to use that athleticism and size to really takeover games,” Kerr said. “There is plenty for our young guys to pick up watching him play.”
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Where Kuminga will need to continue to improve is in his jump shooting. He’s taken just 10 jump shots off the dribble within the half-court this season and is 1-of-10 (10.0%) on those looks. Specifically on catch-and-shoot looks, he’s gone 12-of-41 (29.3%) overall and has struggled even when unguarded.
The Golden State Warriors already liked what they had in Jonathan Kuminga long-term but his continued flashes while Draymond Green misses time could only further solidify his standing with the organization as the NBA trade deadline nears.
