Jonathan Kuminga has been earning praises lately as he improves his decision-making and defensive skills.
Despite the Golden State Warriors still having a long way to go to prove themselves this season, they have won against big teams with high expectations to dominate the Western Conference, such as the Lakers, Nuggets, and now the Clippers.
With the Warriors having late moves in the offseason due to Kuminga’s contract drama, they have been expected to struggle as fans demand bigs from the team following its lapses last season.
However, it was worth not letting go of the 23-year-old swingman as it made an impact in the previous games in the early campaign.
One of the team’s leaders, Jimmy Butler, discussed how Kuminga has been the key to their system offensively and defensively.
“He’s key in what we’re trying to do this season on both sides of the ball. I love it when he’s guarding at a high level…He’s been playing off the charts…Keep taking that challenge on the defensive end. We as a whole need him to do just that,” Butler said.
Head coach Steve Kerr also said that he will be their consistent starter going forward after defending Ja Morant and James Harden.
“Yes. He’ll start tonight and he will be our starter going forward. He’s been fantastic. Last night, put him on Ja. Tonight we will put him on James Harden. I think he’s ready.”
The NBA champion has been earning praise lately, consistently proving his worth, which keeps him with the Warriors.
With five games so far, Kuminga is averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, and he shot 53.7% from the field.
