Jonathan Kuminga repeatedly stressed winning and defense during his introductory press conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, explaining why he chose the organization after five seasons with the Golden State Warriors and a stint with the Atlanta Hawks.
Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with Minnesota after the Timberwolves created salary-cap room by trading Josh Green to Utah. The second-year player option gives him a chance to establish himself in a new environment while joining a team built around Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
Asked why Minnesota was the right destination, Kuminga said the decision ultimately came down to the team’s direction.
“I think just looking back, I think I’ll say it’s one of the best decision I made,” Kuminga said. “You know, just looking at the roster, looking at the young group of guys they have, and just seeing what they’ve done in the past, and things that they’re trying to accomplish going forward.”
“I think the choice was, you know, we trying to win. We trying to help winning. So I think that’s why I made this decision.”
Kuminga believes his versatility will allow him to fit Minnesota’s system without requiring a specific offensive role.
“I think my game, my mentality, pretty much everything fit well with the group,” he said. “It don’t matter what it is, you know, they could put me wherever. For run the floor, screen, defend, play fast, whatever, whatever it is.”
“I feel like I could come in and be one of the best defender. So I think it fit pretty well.”
Defense was a recurring theme throughout the press conference. Kuminga said playing alongside Jaden McDaniels, Edwards and Rudy Gobert could help him improve defensively.
“I just think me coming here, especially on the defensive side, I feel like I could consider myself as one of the best defender,” Kuminga said. “And I think being around one of the best defender in the league, people like Jaden, I think I could learn so much more.”
“Ant is one of the best defender too. And then we got Rudy. Just watching those guys could help me in so many ways and certain things that I don’t know on defense.”
Kuminga said his initial conversations with head coach Chris Finch centered on two priorities: rebounding and defense.
“The main focus and I spoke to Finch was just help us play defense,” he said. “And I feel like if we have a great defense, the offense will just, you know, will come by time and it will make our offense easier.”
The 23-year-old also expressed excitement about playing with Ball, particularly because of the new Timberwolves guard’s passing ability.
“I think his ability of passing the ball,” Kuminga said. “I was watching him work out yesterday. I was watching him doing certain things and just the way he passed the ball, it’s incredible.”
“I play with so many point guards in my career, but I never played with somebody that could pass as good as LaMelo. So I think I’m looking forward to it. So, and I’m excited.”
Kuminga enters Minnesota after averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games split between Golden State and Atlanta last season. He shot 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
For his career, he has averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 294 games while shooting 50.2% from the field. He also has 40 postseason appearances and won an NBA championship with Golden State in 2022.
Kuminga rejected the idea that his short-term contract means he needs to prove something specific statistically.
“I wouldn’t say it’s about believing. I think it’s just being a winner,” he said. “I try to contribute every single day, giving all I got for this team, for this city, for the fans.”
“I’m a winner. I’m a good teammate. I’m a good person. Everything will take care of itself.”
Tim Connelly said Minnesota viewed Kuminga as a particularly strong fit because of his age, athleticism, playoff experience and two-way ability.
“He’s as elite as it gets,” Connelly said of Kuminga’s athleticism. “He instantly becomes one of our best cutters. He’s got an innate feel for getting open. He brings championship DNA.”
Connelly added that Kuminga can play multiple positions and highlighted his ability to attack the basket.
“There’s not many better one-dribble drive guys in the league than Jonathan,” Connelly said.
Kuminga’s arrival follows Minnesota’s acquisition of Ball and the departures of Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Green. The Timberwolves are now relying on a young core that includes Edwards, Ball, McDaniels, Kuminga and Gobert, with Kuminga expected to provide athleticism, defensive versatility and frontcourt scoring.
