Kuminga Discusses Emphasizing a New Part of His Game This Season

This is a pivotal year for Jonathan Kuminga. Yes, he landed a two-year contract extension that will provide him and his family with life-changing money, but he is still trying to define himself in the league and show that he can be the star he believes he is. 

Even though the Warriors just gave him a contract extension, many around the league believe that they are looking to trade Kuminga. In his first few seasons, Kuminga has struggled to fit into the Warriors' system, causing frustration between him, his coaches, and his Warriors teammates. Kuminga has all the tools to be the perfect piece in Golden State, but the reality has panned out differently. 

A lot of the complaints from Warriors coaches about Kuminga are because of his lack of rebounding. Despite being the most athletic player on the roster and one of the bigger guys on the team, Kuminga has never averaged more than five rebounds per game.

Kuminga spoke with Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic about how he plans to improve that part of his game. 

“It was one of my goals coming into this year…Just trying to be on the boards, guarding the best players…When my shots aren’t falling, find a way to impact the game. Doing the small things that matter.”

This is music to Warriors’ fans. If Kuminga focuses on the little things like rebounding and defense, the Warriors' coaching staff will have no choice but to play him.

This was proven true in the Warriors’ opening night game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuminga struggled with his shot in the first half, but still contributed on the boards and guarded the Lakers' best player, Luka Dončić. 

He ended the game with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. If Kuminga can continue to focus on the little things, the sky is the limit for his role on the Warriors.