Even if the playoffs were approaching and doubts were still numerous on the side of Golden State, in particular because Andrew Wiggins was then absent, Steve Kerr had been reassuring at the end of March about the ambitions of his team. And for good reason: Jonathan Kuminga had gone up a notch in the second half of the season.
The young Warriors talent was averaging 13.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, with 57% shooting success, since the All-Star Game. We could therefore imagine that he would be one more weapon in the playoffs. But this is not the case.
“It’s difficult to live this season where I play matches most of the time, before seeing things change, without understanding it”he delivers at the San Francisco Chronicle.
With 36 minutes in total against the Kings in the first round, including 13 in Game 3, the one where Draymond Green was suspended, the 2022 champion was not in Steve Kerr’s plans in this series. The returns of Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II obviously weigh a lot in the coach’s choices. Especially against outsiders like De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk or Kevin Huerter.
Steve Kerr preferred JaMychal Green against the Lakers
Even if his physique could be valuable there, the series against the Lakers is not going to be more favorable to Jonathan Kuminga since he did not play in Game 1, lost by Stephen Curry and his band. The coach preferred to give some playing time to JaMychal Green, better shooter than the Congolese.
How does the player live these long days on the bench?
“It’s complicated to be focused every time, to have a smile at all times”he continues. “But I remember where I come from, I see the things that I’ve been through, that a lot of people don’t know about and that got me here. I have the feeling that, throughout my career, my life, I have never been given anything. I have to prove. I have no reason to be afraid at this stage of my life, of my career. At some point, it will turn. This is what carries me on a daily basis and I will always be ready to play. »
This is also what Andrew Wiggins thinks. “He is always positive”assures the winger, referring to his teammate. “He is young, works hard and wants to learn. Everyone knows he wants to play. I know he’ll get his chance and when he does, he’ll make the most of it. »
| Jonathan Kuminga | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | GOS | 70 | 17 | 51.3 | 33.6 | 68.4 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 9.3 |
| 2022-23 | GOS | 67 | 21 | 52.5 | 37.0 | 65.2 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 9.9 |
| Total | 137 | 19 | 51.9 | 35.3 | 67.1 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 9.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
