The Golden State Warriors have at least four players with hopes of being an All-Star next season: Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, and Jonathan Kuminga. Of that quartet, only the young duo of Podziemski and Kuminga have yet to earn their first selection. However, they’re confident in their chances of changing that.
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Wants To Be First-Time All-Star In 2024-25
“That is my trajectory. That is what I’ve been working towards,” Kuminga tells Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “I did as much as I could working out, getting my body ready, learning the game, working on things on defense. It’s just a matter of when we start playing now and I can show what I’ve been working on and how my game has grown.”
“We have a different team. I’m not sure what is going to happen. But whatever happens, my mind is ready for everything.”
After a breakout season, the 2021 No. 7 pick looks like more than a potential All-Star, but a franchise cornerstone. Not only did he average a career-high 16.1 points per game last season, he was promoted to the first unit in mid-December. Still, while his production was commendable, he didn’t play as well as the team wanted.
Kuminga made just 32.1 percent of his three-pointers and 29.5 percent of them as a starter. Yet, he made 43.5 percent of his corner 3s. Defensively, he was a mixed bag as well. He used his body well at the point-of-attack but lacked ideal off-ball awareness.
Musing about Kuminga’s future, Kerr says: “He needs to keep on the rise that he is on. He’s gotten better and better everyday. The three-point shot is a big deal, especially in the modern NBA. For him to be able to catch and shoot consistently will open up the floor for him and for others.
Defensively, just continuing to get better and using that athleticism, that force, in a way that really impacts our opponents. Those are the things that we are focused on.”
Speaking about Kuminga again on Monday, Kerr made it clear that the Congolese forward has to separate himself from the pack and make it impossible for the coaching staff not to play him, using Curry as an example.
Reasonable Doubt
Interestingly, though Kerr believes that Kuminga is more of a power forward, the 22-year-old started at small forward in the Warriors’ preseason opener. Alongside him in the frontcourt were Green at his usual power forward spot and Trayce Jackson-Davis at center. In the backcourt, the team opted to play De’Anthony Melton alongside Curry.
With Wiggins under the weather, this could all change.
Kerr seems determined to run his preferred system, so Green will likely start. When Wiggins returns, he’ll likely reprise his starting role, especially with Kerr hoping to get the 2014 No. 1 pick back to All-Star form. What this means for Kuminga is yet to be determined but, if he’s shooting the three-ball consistently, he might be safe.
Outside jumpers have been emphasized since Kerr took over in Golden State. Yet, the need for Kuminga to be a trustworthy shooter is also tied to the fact that neither Green nor Jackson-Davis are.
Green made a career-high 39.5 percent of his threes last season; a stunning development. However, the 34-year-old is a career 31.9 percent shooter from deep. Jackson-Davis has taken four total three-point attempts from his days at Indiana to now, missing them all. Frankly, if Green or Jackson-Davis were to square their shoulders for a 3, opponents might concede the shot.
Ultimately, if the Warriors roll out the frontcourt that appeared in the preseason opener, the paint could get clogged. The subsequent lack of space could make it more difficult for players like Kuminga and Wiggins to drive to the hole. Furthermore, opponents could amp up the pressure on Curry, believing that there are only three or four viable offensive threats. That view may also lead to opposing defenses using a frontcourt player as a roamer to disrupt passing lanes.
More Than One Way To Win
Basketball is not a sport where teams can only win with one strategy. To that point, there are multiple teams who thrive offensively while having only three (or fewer) starters who excel as shooters. Last season, the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks ranked in the top-10 in points per game while having traditional centers. Their starting forwards —namely Jalen Johnson, Saddiq Bey, P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. —weren’t anything special from beyond the arc either for that matter.
It is often easier to generate points when four or five starters are premier three-point threats. But again, it’s not the only way an offense can be successful. Teams that emphasize ball- and player-movement will also be tough to beat. Fortunately for Golden State, both Green and Jackson-Davis are respectable playmakers.
Furthermore, when factoring in Curry’s perimeter gravity, there are multiple concepts that can work in their favor. High screen-and-rolls between Curry and Kuminga. Short rolls with Green and Jackson-Davis. Backdoor cuts for Wiggins and Kuminga after Curry sets a screen.
It’s not exactly the ‘Splash Brothers’ offense, but a key to good coaching is being able to adapt. Just because Phil Jackson is synonymous with one offensive system doesn’t mean Kerr should close his mind to playing a different style, especially if it suits his personnel better.
