Kuminga sharp in first time on court
SACRAMENTO — The California Classic lacks the stakes or pedigree of regularseason NBA games, but it can still offer some insight into Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga’s readiness for the sport’s highest level.
When Golden State executives took the 18yearold with the No. 7 pick in last week’s draft, they weren’t sure whether he’d be bound for the G League or a key rotation spot with the big club as a rookie. In his professional debut Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center, Kuminga showed that he might be more NBA ready than some had thought, delivering a slew of highlights in the Warriors’ 9487 loss to the Heat.
Though Kuminga lacked polish at times and committed six turnovers, his physical gifts and offensive upside were unquestioned. In scoring 18 points on 7for14 shooting, the 6foot8 forward physically dominated players a halfdecade or so older than him, using his strength and speed to get into the key at will.
Midway through the second quarter, he leaped toward the rim, collided into a taller defender and, after adjusting midair, lofted in a higharcing layup. Soon after, Kuminga stole the ball from Heat center Omer Yurtseven, raced downcourt and swung the ball across the key to teammate Kahlil Whitney.
Minutes later, Kuminga saw his defender approaching,
“I think I can make an impact right away. Just get ready, learn all the plays and try to get better.”
Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors rookie forward
laced a hard crossover to his right hand, weaved by two Heat players and threw down a vicious twohanded dunk. The crowd unleashed an audible gasp as Kuminga pursed his lips and clapped his hands.
Sitting courtside, Warriors general manager Bob Myers had seen enough to feel good about his decision to take Kuminga over more proven prospects. There is no doubt that despite his youth, Kuminga boasts a rare blend of elite athleticism, swagger and scoring instincts.
“I think I can make an impact right away,” Kuminga said. “Just get ready, learn all the plays and try to get better.”
The question now is how long he’ll need to earn meaningful minutes in regularseason games. Kuminga was perhaps the best Warriors player on the floor Wednesday, but he is still raw in some respects. There were times when he delivered wild passes, found himself out of position defensively or committed silly fouls.
But with a 7foot wingspan, chiseled frame and huge vertical leap, Kuminga at least appears physically ready for the rigors of the NBA. His highlights were impressive enough to think that Golden State will want to at least give him an opportunity to have a role with the big club this season.
Kuminga is the same age as most recent high school grads, but he has an Xfactor — that unique star quality that’s hard to quantify — that might make him look out of place in the G League.
This is encouraging news for a Warriors team that needs to start thinking about who will lead it into the postStephen Curry era.
Though Curry still has several more years of highlevel basketball left, Golden State needs a strong young core in place if it hopes to follow the Spurs’ blueprint for longterm success. In addition to encouraging moments from Kuminga, the Warriors got 19 points and seven rebounds from their other recent lottery pick, guard Moses Moody.
The continued development of Kuminga and Moody should make the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League mustwatch TV for the team’s diehard fans.
Moody probably has a better chance of playing a rotation role as a rookie, but Kuminga might have as high a ceiling as anyone the Warriors have drafted in the past decade.
“I was impressed with his energy getting to the basket,” Summer League head coach Kris Weems said. “You see the finishing ability. And I think he’s an underrated passer.
“He didn’t do as much as I’d like him to do, but he has a chance to be a really good player.”