Holder, Jonathan Kuminga impresses Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins | NBA

Draymond Green won’t be coming back right away. Blame it on a lumbar problem that radiates to the calf, and the Warriors strong winger should miss at least two more weeks.

To replace him in the starting five, Steve Kerr had first opted for Juan Toscano-Anderson, then Gary Payton II and finally Otto Porter Jr. in the last two matches. Finally, it was Jonathan Kuminga who started against the Pistons, and after his “double-double”, the Warriors coach announced that his rookie would remain a starter.

“Draymond out, it’s a good time to have JK play with Steph and Klay and Loon” justified the coach. “He’s naturally a big winger who can play in a small five. You can stick him on anybody on defense, and we really wanted to see him with the starting five. He had earned it. “

“One day, it will be his team”

Upon arrival, Jonathan Kuminga signed his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and he confirmed that his potential was immense, whether it was to hit the mark from afar, to defend on Cade Cunningham or Isaiah Stewart on the same action, or to dominate under the panels.

“How many 19-year-old players are able to play above the circle like him? ” asks Klay Thompson at a press conference. “Who is capable of landing and taking out a double-double like that? I’m so excited about JK’s future. One day it will be his team or he will have a huge role in it. Personally, I imagine him becoming one of the best players in the NBA. “

Nice tribute from Klay Thompson for whom his young teammate is already ready to make an impact. “Some say he’s raw, but he already has a lot of qualities. He can shoot 3-pointers, dunk anyone. He’s an incredible athlete. “

“He must insist because his potential is limitless”

Facing the Pistons, we also saw him make a pass in a pocket handkerchief for Stephen Curry, make a monstrous counter (denied) in the second curtain, or even steal balloons on aids.

” It’s fatal ! He’s a good kid, he deserves it. With each game, he progresses” confirms Andrew Wiggins. “The last road trip was important for him. I have the impression that he has progressed a lot, and learned a lot. Now he must insist because his potential is limitless. “

Over the last four games, Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, and he brings freshness and speed to the Warriors’ game. ” I’m the youngest here… And if I don’t bring energy, it’s not the veterans who will” he answers.

A contagious energy but watch out for mistakes because Steve Kerr was forced to call him back quickly on the bench, in the first and third quarters.

“From what I hear from my veterans, I will always be called out for these faults because I am a rookie” explains Jonathan Kuminga. “Even if I’m not wrong, they’ll see that I tried to reach out a bit. I have to be smart. Especially as a rookie. If I make mistakes all the time, I’m going out. “