Kuminga playing his best ball right now for Warriors
Soon to be just 20 years old, forward come off standout rookie season
SAN FRANCISCO >> Coach Steve Kerr tapped secondyear forward Jonathan Kuminga to start Sunday's preseason game in place of Draymond Green, who is stepping away from the team after he punched Jordan Poole at Wednesday's practice.
Kerr on Saturday said Kuminga earned the start against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center after having a “fantastic” showing while playing alongside the starters in the team's full scrimmage Thursday.
“I told him it was the best I've ever seen him play,” Kerr said. “I'm excited about seeing him play.”
Kuminga agreed with Kerr's assessment, saying this is the best he's felt on the floor.
“I feel the same way,” Kuminga said. “I was just more involved in trying to find ways to affect the game in any situation. Defense, offense, bringing guys together.”
Kuminga came off the bench in the Warriors' two exhibition games in Japan last weekend. He contributed six points, three assists and one rebound in a team-high 26 minutes in the preseason opener Sept. 30. Two days later, he scored five points and grabbed four rebounds in 25 minutes.
Kuminga earned 12 starts as a rookie last season after the Warriors drafted him No. 7 overall. In 70 games, he averaged 9.3 points on 51.3% shooting and grabbed 3.3 rebounds per game.
Kuminga, who turned 20 Wednesday, is expected to take on an expanded role in the rotation this season and he's ready for the challenge.
“I'm going into my second year so I have more experience on what's going on on the court and what the team wants me to do and what I need to do,” he said. “I'm always prepared by the moment.”
It's unclear when Green will rejoin the team as he lets the situation between him and Poole “breathe.” Green hopes to play in the Warriors' season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers Oct. 18 but acknowledged it's not his decision to make.
In the meantime, Kuminga will benefit from the opening in the starting lineup and playing alongside Stephen Curry, Poole, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney.
“It's more things you see, just the way they're moving, the way the ball is moving,” Kuminga said of playing with that group. “Obviously they have more experience so they make your life easier.”
Green won't be the only star not playing in Sunday's preseason game. Klay Thompson will miss his third preseason game as the Warriors slowly gear him up for the season. Thompson showed up to camp behind schedule after a mental block prevented him from playing in any pick-up games this offseason. Golden State is playing it safe with Thompson after he returned midway through last season following 2 1/2 years injury-induced absence.
Poole started in Thompson's place in both preseason games in Japan. `ALL SIGNS ARE POSITIVE' FOR KLAY >> Thompson has had an encouraging few days of practice after the training staff decided to hold him out of a team scrimmage Thursday out of an abundance of caution as they ramp him up for what could be his first full season since he suffered back-to-back injuries.
“Trainers are feeling really good about his progress,” Kerr said Sunday. “All signs are positive.”
Kerr is hopeful that Thompson will be able to play in the Warriors' preseason finale Friday and remains optimistic that the 32-year-old guard will be ready for the season opener Oct. 18.
AND FOR THE REST OF THE TEAM? >> The Warriors had a condensed and wonky start to training camp, with a trip to Japan for a two preseason games. The release of the video of Green's outburst has caused an ugly distraction for the team that look to be title favorites heading into this season.
Still, Kerr likes where the team is at with nine days until tip-off of the regular season. He had high praises for the young players and newcomers, some vying for the 15th roster spot that the Warriors might opt to keep vacant for financial reasons.
“This is one of the best crops of young free agents that we've ever had here and maybe the best when you look at the guys that are fighting for two-way spots and possible Santa Cruz players,” Kerr said. “Really impressed with every single one of them. They've set a great tone for us in camp.”