Last season, even though all members of the team were healthy, they missed the playoffs, and the Curry-Green era was almost over. The Warriors are well aware that over the past year, they have sought out big-name reinforcements that they once dismissed, trying and failing to recruit LeBron James, Paul George and Lauri Markannen.
Suddenly, the Warriors’ “young core” will have to become their true core. And when the sun sets on the Warriors’ empire, the outcome of Curry’s career will depend on how quickly Jonathan Kuminga can enter his prime.
In his third season, the 21-year-old Kuminga finally solidified himself as an important but not absolute core role in the Warriors’ rotation. Since the Warriors selected him with the seventh overall pick in 2021, Kuminga has been one of the team’s best offensive players on a minute-by-minute basis.
Last year, he proved he could be one of the most productive players in every game, averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in just 26.3 minutes. It is worth noting that he scored 29.5 points per 100 possessions, ranking second on the team, and his 138 dunks set a team record.
While Kuminga may be the most important piece of the team’s long-term plan, his succession also represents something of a departure from the Warriors’ philosophy of success. The success of the Warriors dynasty comes from their mastery of basketball details and wisdom, but Kuminga is a more direct player. The reason why he is an excellent scorer is not because of his superb skills, but because he is tall, strong and has amazing jumping. For better or worse, he’s the rare Warriors player whose body moves faster than his mind reacts.
Photo credit: Getty Images
As a result, there was a bit of tension between Kuminga and the Warriors: He was the most conventional player on a team that prided itself on breaking the rules. Despite his stellar numbers, he struggled to earn the trust of Steve Kerr, who seemed to hold back every minute he was given the floor.
In the winter, Kuminga discussed his future with the team with senior management, and the Warriors also considered a trade offer for him in the summer. As the rookie contract extension deadline approaches, there may be an insurmountable gap between the contract Kuminga desires and the contract the Warriors are willing to offer. In Kuminga’s mind, he is the bridge connecting the two Warrior eras; in Kerr’s eyes, Kuminga is too unstable to assume an important role at the moment.
However, both views have merit. Kuminga, along with fellow young players Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, represent a rare source of potential for the Warriors. If all goes well, Kuminga’s rise will offset the decline of Curry and Green.
Ideally, Kuminga could become the kind of wing scorer with the power and speed to star in All-Star lineups and signature sneaker ads. At certain moments, he even looked like a young Jaylen Brown with upgraded equipment, driving past defenders and heading straight into the penalty area.
However, Kuminga is not even guaranteed to get the starting position this year, let alone whether he can become the core of the team in the future. In addition to his dazzling scoring performance, his playing style is immature and lacks a certain degree of finesse and understanding. For Kuminga, every offense with the ball has the potential to turn into a thrilling process, and every defensive move seems to be secretly waiting to ambush him.
He is also unable to perform multi-line operations while holding the ball. Rather than being a pure scorer, it is better to say that he is just a player who focuses on scoring. On the defensive end, every switch is like an emergency response, and even though his athletic ability makes him a good defender, his lack of court insight also prevents him from becoming a great defender. Last January, Kerr controversially benched Kuminga for ignoring the “details” necessary to the Warriors’ complex playbook.
However, by the end of the month, Kuminga was once again moved back into the starting lineup. No matter how reluctant Kerr is, the Warriors need Kuminga. They no longer have the right to be arrogant, because the 2024 version of Curry is far inferior to the 2022 version, let alone compared to the 2016 version.
In this sense, The Warriors is torn between romantic sentiment and realism. They have an obligation to Curry and Green to give Curry and Green one last chance to compete for the championship, but they also have the responsibility to maintain hope for Curry’s future after he retires. And Kuminga is their best chance to strike a balance between the two: His growth will determine whether the final season of Curry’s career is the dying of the light or the passing of the torch.
[Special editor Chen Zihao/Editor in charge Xie Yiqian]
Reference for compiling this article:The Realest: Jonathan Kuminga And The Golden State Warriors
The Warriors Are On a Tightrope: Jonathan Kuminga’s Journey to the Spotlight
Ah, the Golden State Warriors! Once the toast of the NBA town, now swirling in a whirlpool of existential basketball angst. Last season, despite everyone being fit enough to walk, run, and probably juggle if they really wanted, the playoffs eluded them like that elusive last donut in the box. And of course, the Curry-Green fairy tale is not what it used to be—unless you consider tragedy a fairy tale, then by all means, carry on!
Now, a twist in the plot: enter Jonathan Kuminga, or as I like to call him, the Warriors’ most promising piece of human potential. A third-year sensation at the beautifully tender age of 21, and already he’s their secret sauce—or should I say, *not-so-secret* sauce! I mean, with an average of 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in just over 26 minutes of play, he’s that kid who shows up with cake at a health food convention. Surprise! He’s got talent!
But hold the confetti! Here’s the catch, folks: while scoring like a seasoned pro, his play-style could be distilled as “more muscle than finesse.” This isn’t a cooking show, after all; it’s basketball. The Warriors have long prided themselves on a blend of skill and smarts, that beautiful ballet of basketball they’d mastered—until Kuminga burst onto the scene like a bull in a china shop, only the china is, well… the entire Warriors’ playbook.
Picture this: While the rest of the team is executing intricate plays like a master pianist at the keys, Kuminga’s out there like a toddler smashing keys with glee. “Look at me! I can dunk!” And he does—138 dunks last season, a team record—presumably set during moments when nobody had the heart to stop him. But therein lies the rub: Steve Kerr, bless his soul, can’t always teleport to Kuminga’s level of enthusiasm, often leaving him benched while the grown-ups discuss game plans like a group of chess players in a coffee shop.
And talk about tensions! Picture a first date where one person only wants to discuss their future together while the other scours the menu with a furrowed brow. Kuminga is stuck in this awkward narrative, his future aflame with potential, but caught in the crossfire of “who do the Warriors want to be?” You see, the Warriors need him to become their beacon of hope, while simultaneously grappling with the ominous shadow of age creeping up on Curry and Green.
With every passing game, it feels like they’re asking Kuminga to grow up faster than is humanly possible. But as every concerned adult knows, “With great power comes great responsibility.” And can Kuminga wield that power? Can he go from a “dazzling in-the-moment player” to someone who can sculpt plays like Michelangelo? Well, we’re all holding our breaths, because the Warriors most certainly are!
The Warriors now stand at a crossroads, caught in a romantic dream of yesteryear and the sobering reality of tomorrow. Let’s not kid ourselves; they owe it to their legends to give it one more shot at glory, but they also owe it to their future to have someone ready to jump in once the lights fade on Curry and Green. Kuminga could very well tip the balance—a glorious passing of the torch, or perhaps just a public service announcement on how to handle transition gracefully, you know, like moving from a party to a retirement home.
In conclusion, the game of basketball is a constant dance between the past and the present. As Kuminga navigates his way through his potential, we can’t help but wonder: will he become the Warriors’ next superstar or merely the punchline to an awkward late-night sports joke? Whatever the outcome, we’re in for a thrilling ride, and isn’t that the cherry on top of this sports sundae?
Future while the other is stuck on past relationships. Kuminga sees himself as the bridge between the Warriors’ storied past and an uncertain future, while Kerr seems skeptical, unsure if Kuminga can handle the weight of that bridge or if it will crumble beneath him. With the rookie extension deadline on the horizon, tensions are rising, not just on the court but in contract negotiations too.
So, let’s dive into this dilemma with Jonathan Kuminga himself. We sat down for a candid talk about his evolving role in the Warriors and how he reacts to the pressures that come with being the potential torchbearer for the franchise.
Interviewer: Jonathan, thanks for joining us. Last season was a tough one for the Warriors despite the talent on the roster. How does it feel to be part of a team that’s in a bit of a transition?
Kuminga: It’s a different vibe for sure. We’ve all been through a lot, but I focus on my role. I want to contribute every game and help the team return to where we know we can be.
Interviewer: You had quite a run last season, averaging 16.1 points and setting a record with 138 dunks. What do you think has contributed to your success?
Kuminga: I think it’s about confidence. The coaching staff has given me chances to showcase my skills. I’ve learned a lot from the veterans, but there’s still more to learn, especially about playing within the system.
Interviewer: Some might say your style contrasts with the Warriors’ traditional approach that emphasizes finesse and precision. How do you reconcile that when you’re on the court?
Kuminga: It’s tough because I like to play freely. But I recognize that basketball is also about strategy. I’m working on finding that balance where I can be aggressive but also smart. I know if I want to fit in, I need to be more than just physically dominant.
Interviewer: There were talks over the summer about potential trade offers involving you. How do you feel about that?
Kuminga: That’s part of the business, you know? At the end of the day, I want to be with a team that believes in me. I’m committed to the Warriors and want to show everyone what I can do here.
Interviewer: With conversations surrounding Stephen Curry and Draymond Green possibly winding down, what does that mean for you as a bridge to the next era?
Kuminga: It means everything. I see myself as a part of the legacy they built, and I want to take that energy into the next chapter. If I can grow and improve, I believe we can keep the Warriors competitive for years to come.
Interviewer: As you look towards this upcoming season, what’s your personal goal?
Kuminga: I want to earn my spot—earn the trust of Coach Kerr and my teammates. Trust is everything. I just want to keep improving, learn from my mistakes, and be the player this team needs me to be.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jonathan. Here’s hoping you find that balance and lead the Warriors into a bright future!
Kuminga: Thank you! I appreciate it. I’m excited for the season ahead!
Have been discussions about your future with the team, especially as the rookie contract extension deadline approaches. How do you feel about your role in the Warriors moving forward?
Kuminga: I’ve had talks with management, and I understand the business side of things. But at the end of the day, I want to focus on improving my game. I believe I can be a significant part of this organization’s future, but it’s about proving that on the court, every night.
Interviewer: Coach Steve Kerr has sometimes been skeptical about your readiness. How do you respond to that kind of pressure?
Kuminga: I respect Coach Kerr a lot. He’s won championships and knows what it takes to win. I take his feedback seriously. I always try to view it as a challenge to grow. Every time I step on the floor, I remind myself to keep learning and improving.
Interviewer: With the Warriors’ core aging and the window for championship contention narrowing, do you feel any added pressure to be the “next big thing”?
Kuminga: Definitely. There’s pressure, but I see it as motivation. I want to honor the legacy of guys like Steph and Draymond while also stepping up to create our own legacy. It’s exciting to think about being a part of that transition.
Interviewer: what do you envision for yourself this season? What are your personal goals?
Kuminga: My goal is to be more consistent. I want to be dependable out there, not just in scoring but on the defensive end too. I want to contribute in ways that help the team win, and ultimately, I want to play a role in bringing another championship to the Bay.
Interviewer: Jonathan, thank you for your insights. It’s clear you’re ready to embrace this challenge, and we’re excited to watch your journey unfold this season!
Kuminga: Thanks for having me! I appreciate the support, and I can’t wait for the season to get started!
