Stephen Curry got off to a slow start at the 2024 Paris Olympics but then exploded in the biggest games to lead Team USA to glory. Curry's Golden State Warriors teammate Jonathan Kuminga was watching the action unfold and stated he was inspired by the two-time MVP's heroics, during an appearance on The TK Show.
"It was incredible," Kuminga said. "The things he does, you never know. That man could go 0 for 60 in the first half, second half he could go 60 for 60. It was incredible and it was a big part of them pulling that gold medal."
"We all follow his footsteps,” Kuminga added. “If you see one of the oldest guys in the NBA on your team still producing at that level, you might as well be inspired, you know? You got to be inspired and you got to follow his footsteps, and you got to watch him. That just inspires you to be great. Inspires the whole team to help him and I think that's the goal this year, for sure."
You can't help but be inspired by what Curry did at the Olympics. The 36-year-old averaged just 7.25 points per game in his first four outings for the U.S. but stepped up big time when the team needed him the most.
Curry had 36 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in the semifinal against Serbia as he helped overcome a 17-point deficit and get the win. Then in the final against France, the 10-time All-Star recorded 24 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 2 steals as Team USA won 98-87 to clinch another gold medal.
Curry tasted ultimate glory with the national team but, at this point, it looks unlikely he'll do so with the Warriors in the coming years. For that to change, what he needs is for Kuminga to turn into the star that the Warriors believe he can be. The 21-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
Kuminga was one of the few bright spots for the Warriors along with Curry last season, as they finished with a 46-36 record and missed the playoffs. If he can take another leap in 2024-25, then they'll be in a position to make some noise in what looks to be a very strong Western Conference.
Jonathan Kuminga Speaks On A Potential Extension With The Warriors
Kuminga is currently eligible for a contract extension with the Warriors, but it doesn't look like there has been much movement on that front. If no deal is agreed on by Oct. 31, then he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and Kuminga gave a cryptic answer when asked about his extension.
Kuminga stated he was focused on just playing better on the court and added he believes things will work out themselves with that. He thinks the door isn't open just yet for him but believes it will at some point in the future.
It has been reported that the Warriors are not interested in offering Kuminga a max extension, which would be worth $225 million. I don't think you blame them for that, but they're risking alienating a player who has been unhappy at various points during his time in Golden State. So, it will be very interesting to see how this situation pans out.
