The Warriors expect a more aggressive Jonathan Kuminga than ever

24, 26 and 28. These are not the minutes but the points, match after match, of Jonathan Kuminga in preseason. What to do with the winger Warriors the best scorer in NBA preparation (26.0 points on average), tied with Tyler Herro and ahead of Victor Wembanyama (21.5) or Desmond Bane (21.3).

Besides this interesting total of points for a player who averages “only” 9.6 points in his career, it is his number of free throws attempted which is even more surprising, since he shoots almost… 10 per game! Including 17 (for 13 successful) against the Kings on Sunday, while he had never done better than 12 since his debut.

“ I was surprised to shoot 17 shots, but it’s something I’ve been working on and trying to be consistent with because I know I’m going to be fouled a lot “, reacted the 7th choice of the 2021 Draft.

The Warriors’ X-factor?

Undefeated in three preseason games with Golden StateJonathan Kuminga knows that he will have a real card to play this season, given his athletic qualities and the composition of the “Dubs” squad (4th oldest team in the NBA with an average age of almost 29). ‘age).

“ One of the main things we talked about with him is that we’re not the most athletic team, but rather a very skilled team that doesn’t get to the free throw line very often. Last season we were near the bottom of the standings at this level, so if he can attack the rim and get to the line it will make us better », explains his coach, Steve Kerr.

Given the shooting quality of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and others Andrew Wiggins, Dario Saric, Moses Moody or even Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga should logically benefit from a lot of space to maneuver inside. And if he manages to exploit them well and cause fouls, the Warriors will perhaps no longer be the team that causes the fewest free throws per game (20.2)…

“ It’s really important, because he puts so much pressure on the defense, near the rim “, judge Moses Moody. “ When he gets into them, it’s sometimes difficult not to foul him, especially with his explosiveness. That’s a big thing for us because you can’t score on every possession, but you can get fouls and get to the free throw line, which is the same thing. »

Gain confidence and efficiency

An opinion that Steve Kerr obviously shares, aware of the areas for improvement of his team and the potential impact of Jonathan Kuminga on this group.

“ [C’est une question de] mentality and it’s the same for Andrew Wiggins », Indicates the Golden State coach. “ These two guys can change the face of our team with their athleticism and ability to attack and get to the line. As soon as we go to the line, it’s not only free points, but you can set up your defense for the next possession, so that’s valuable. »

The fact remains that to become a real threat on free throws, Jonathan Kuminga must also be more skillful.

“ Concerning the percentages, I want to be above 75% [de réussite aux lancers] », he announces, while he has a 76% success rate in pre-season, compared to “only” 68% in his career. “ I think that’s the goal and I work on it every day. I have the feeling that, for me, it’s not a story of mechanics but of confidence. I was more patient and I trusted every repetition, every detail of my free throws. »

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.