At 22 years old, Jonathan Kuminga is preparing to experience a pivotal season, perhaps that of its complete explosion. Indeed, Klay Thompson is no longer there and the Warriors will particularly need him to fill the void left by the “Splash Brother” behind Stephen Curry.
Aware that the Californian franchise has “lots of excellent players”the Congolese says he is in any case ready to establish himself as the team's new second offensive option. He who, let's remember, comes out of an exercise with an average of 16.1 points (53% shooting, 32% 3-pointers and 75% free throws).
“ Let's go back to last season: I started slowly, because I was trying to find my identity, adapting to new teammates and, over time, I ended up taking on this responsibility because my teammates and my coaches trusted me, they pushed me to be that guy » he details. “ So, I learned that I can come in this season and be that guy, without forcing anything, and be there when I'm needed. Being the second option isn't just about scoring 30 points every night, it doesn't work like that. But I see myself doing it, I see myself helping and relieving Steph [Curry]. »
An extension in sight
HAS Golden Statethe position of Jonathan Kuminga raises questions because the person concerned imagines himself playing a winger when Steve Kerr, his coach, prefers him to be a strong winger. However, regardless of the label that will be stuck to him, the 7th choice of the 2021 Draft will seek to continue his individual progress.
“ My approach will be to be excellent, that is always my main goal » he shares. “ A lot of people don't know this, but my approach is to be excellent and have as much fun as possible. […] Be a sponge, be someone the team can count on in certain situations. Just doing as much as possible, not forcing anything or being someone I'm not. I just stick to what I know how to do. »
In the short term, the Warriors, who trust him, still have a little over two weeks to extend him, otherwise they will have to wait until next summer to keep their young talent.
| Jonathan Kuminga | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 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 |
| 2023-24 | GOS | 74 | 26 | 52.9 | 32.1 | 74.6 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 16.1 |
| Total | 211 | 22 | 52.4 | 34.1 | 70.7 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 3.9 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 11.9 | |
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.
