Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the breakout stars for the Golden State Warriors this season. The athletic forward is part of the team’s starting rotation, and his style of play has helped breathe energy into a rotation that had faltered throughout the season’s opening months. However, Kuminga still has somewhat of a short leash in terms of making mistakes.
When speaking to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Kuminga noted how being pulled out of games can lead to him becoming confused in regards to what’s expected of him on the court.
“That’s where it’s confusing,” Kuminga said. “Sometimes, I come out the game not knowing what I did. And that messes with my head. It’s like, ‘What they want me to do?’ I can pass and I can do different s—…I am a difference-maker. I know I am. But it’s not up to me to do certain things. How can I say it? It’s not up to me to control my minutes. I feel like I’ve done that. But the last voice ain’t mine. And it’s not easy because I know how to score the basketball. I know how to pass. I know how to do different things on the floor. But it’s about putting all that together.”
Kuminga is in his third NBA season. He is still young at 21 years old. In 29 games, he’s averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, shooting 50.4% from the field and 30.9% from 3-point range.
Clearly, Kerr is coaching his young star hard, but that means he wants him to continue developing and becoming the elite talent he’s capable of being. It might be frustrating in the moment, but Kuminga is playing a significant role for a team with hopes of competing for a championship. At such an early point in his career, that should be enough.
