In the latest edition of Warriors Wire‘s “three goals” series, we will be taking a look at Jonathan Kuminga. The 6’8” forward will be entering his third year in the NBA and needs a breakout season after some false starts over his first two years with the franchise. Kuminga has recently spoken about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders.
However, the third-year forward has all the physical tools and basketball skills to succeed at the NBA level. The Warriors will lay out a defined role for Kuminga, at which point, it’s on him to execute within that role and help his team contend for a championship.
Buy Warriors TicketsGiven Golden State’s lack of youth, Kuminga could find himself playing a vital role off the bench, where his scoring ability, defensive upside, and athleticism provide his team with a sparkplug within the second unit.
With all this being said, here are three goals Kuminga should focus on heading into the new season.
Provide rim pressure
The Warriors have enough sharpshooters on their roster. Perimeter offensive shouldn’t be an issue for a team that boasts Steph Curry and Klay Thompson within their ranks. That’s why Kuminga should lean into his ability to generate high-quality looks around the rim, where he converts his attempts at a 69.6% clip —ranking him in the 86th percentile of forwards in the NBA.
Kuminga’s explosiveness and quick first step will force defenses to collapse on his drives as they look to limit easy buckets in the paint. Kuminga’s ability to provide consistent rim pressure will ensure opposing defenses are put into tough positions when trying to defend the interior while also keeping Curry and Thompson in check.
Showcase his athleticism
The Warriors are short on athletes. If Kuminga can provide Golden State with some explosiveness in the lane, he will surely have a big role to play within the rotation. Whether that’s incorporating some back-screens before peeling off and operating as a lob threat or coming off backdoor cuts to provide explosiveness in the paint, Kuminga can diversify his offensive game if he can lean into his natural athletic ability.
In turn, Kerr can begin drawing up actions that make the most of Kuminga’s natural gifts, thus making him more important to the Warriors’ overall scheme, which in turn ensures a legitimate spot in the rotation.
Lock down on defense
Part of what made Andrew Wiggins such a vital cog in the Warriors 2022 championship win was his ability to defend the opposing team’s best player. Perimeter defense is vital for a contending team, especially in the postseason, where actions are often based on the half-court offense.
Kuminga is known for being a “wing stopper” on the defensive side of the floor and can realistically switch between three positions, providing Golden State with some versatility. For all the plaudits surrounding the Warriors’ offensive system, they have been an elite defensive unit for the majority of the past decade. If you want a consistent role on a contending team, earning it on the defensive end is the most logical way to achieve that goal.
