After a turbulent postseason in which he didn’t see the floor much, Jonathan Kuminga has been making his presence known in the preseason. The 21-year-old has matured in the eyes of his coaches and is looking to take a third-year leap.
Analyzing Jonathan Kuminga’s Explosive Preseason
Jonathan Kuminga is having himself a preseason:
◾️vs. LAL – 24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
◾️ at LAL – 26 PTS, 9-12 FG, 2 STL
◾️ at SAC – 28 PTS, 6 REBLevel up 📶 pic.twitter.com/8730rELYBM
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 16, 2023
The Numbers
In the Golden State Warriors’ five preseason games, Kuminga has certainly found his rhythm. He averaged 21.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on an efficient 54.7% from the field and 45.8% from deep. Kuminga shot just 37% from three-point range last season and just under 53% from the field.
Kuminga was the top scorer in three of the five games, leading the Warriors to a 4-1 record. He was also vital in close wins against the Lakers and Kings.
He’s attempted 12.8 shots per game and 4.8 threes per contest, showing confidence in his ability to score the basketball. Sure, his three-point percentage may come back down to Earth, but his athleticism and improved ball handle should keep his field goal percentage up because he can get to the rim.
The Eye Test
Watching Kuminga’s preseason performance makes his numbers make even more sense. He’s displayed a new ability to read a possession and understand the game’s flow. The vast majority of his 39 threes taken have been within the flow of the offense or because defenders dared him to shoot by giving him space.
Kerr describes how Jonathan Kuminga has grown on and off the court pic.twitter.com/UoW2jyF3gX
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 17, 2023
In last Sunday’s game against Sacramento, Kuminga could discern early that his jump shot was not falling, so he decided to attack the rim. This change in mindset resulted in 17 free throws, of which he made 13, a continuation of his almost 76 percent from the stripe last season.
To fit in with a lineup involving Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, Kuminga must continue showing his ability to space the floor. He’ll need to be the versatile kind of player Andrew Wiggins has been, balancing floor-spacing with slashing to the basket for easy dunks, layups, and offensive rebounds.
Rebounding
Kuminga’s rebounding, particularly on the offensive end, has been a focal point for Steve Kerr this offseason. He was in the habit of hanging out at the arc, a no man’s land between crashing and getting back.
Kerr has given Kuminga the focus of crashing the offensive glass on every shot. Wiggins is the only other Warrior with that power, as Looney makes his living there.
Is Jonathan Kuminga ready to take the Year 3 leap?
Spoke with Kuminga and Steve Kerr to discuss this pivot point in Kuminga’s early career and his importance to the Warriors https://t.co/mPkZuA2Zm1
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 18, 2023
The whole staff has made a point for Kuminga to crash the glass, as reports from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater say they track his “crashes” and “stays” in every game he plays, even scrimmages.
Rebounding is the easiest way for a young guy like Kuminga to get his energy up. It’s an easy way to stay on the floor when other things aren’t going well.
If Kuminga combines defense and rebounding with his flashy athleticism and skill set, he can be a spark for the Warriors. He could be the latest young piece headed elsewhere if he doesn’t take the leap to help Golden State when it matters.
As of now, the Warriors are excited about the prospect of what Kuminga can bring. Kerr and his staff want to see it when the regular season starts.
