Since being drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh overall selection in the 2021 NBA draft, Jonathan Kuminga has been slowly developing his game. Now, it would appear the former lottery pick is poised to take on a bigger role within Golden State’s rotation, as the franchise needs the athleticism he brings to the table.
During a recent interview with ESPN, which took place at a ‘Basketball without Borders’ camp in South Africa, Kuminga discussed the pressure on his shoulders heading into his third year as an NBA player. However, the 20-year-old forward did note that he tries not to let the pressure get to him.
“This upcoming season is definitely the year,” Kuminga said. “A lot of people are expecting so much from me – and myself; I’m expecting a lot. It’s a lot of pressure, but I don’t really pay attention to the noise. The pressure is always going to be there. It’s just [on] me to go out there and perform.”
On occasion, Kuminga has flashed the upside, which saw him become a highly-touted prospect while with the G-League Ignite team. However, Steve Kerr will be hoping that another offseason of development will ensure his young forward is ready to take the next step in his development.
According to a source who spoke with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Jonathan Kuminga could be in line for a bigger role with the Golden State Warriors next season. https://t.co/nYbLEUU6bO
— Warriors Wire (@TheWarriorsWire) July 18, 2023
There is also hope that by pairing veteran All-Star Chris Paul, Kuminga will be able to take his game to the next level, which is something Draymond Green believes is a viable possibility.
“I actually look forward to learning this from him,” Green said during an appearance on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P’ podcast. “I think Chris Paul will completely unlock Jonathan Kuminga and his growth. CP is great with young guys. Deandre Ayton looked like a bus before CP came to Phoenix. No disrespect to Ayton – more so a nod to CP. What he will do for Jonathan Kuminga and unlocking Kuminga, is huge.”
The Warriors will likely give Kuminga every opportunity to cement a larger role within the team’s rotation in the upcoming season, it’s up to him to seize it.
