After suffering an ankle sprain against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 4, Jonathan Kuminga finally returned to action against the Sacramento Kings on March 13.
A lot has changed since Kuminga was last in everyday action. He previously shared the court with the since-traded Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schröder.
Also, in early January, Trayce Jackson-Davis was still the Warriors’ starting center, and standout rookie big man Quinten Post was starting in the G League for the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Prior to the injury, Kuminga was playing the best basketball of his career.
In December, Kuminga averaged 21.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 46/35/67 splits. During this stretch, Kuminga had back-to-back games where he scored a career-high 34 points off the bench vs. the Suns and Clippers.
In 38 games played this season, Kuminga’s usage rate is 27.1%, second on the team behind Stephen Curry at 29.7%.
Kuminga’s Adaptability Will Be Necessary
Returning to a team with different personnel, Kuminga’s role has also changed.
Earlier this month Steve Kerr said they will play through Curry and newly acquired Jimmy Butler. This will transition Kuminga to play a more off-ball role offensively and inherently reduce his high usage rate. Butler’s usage rate with the Warriors so far is 24.2%.
Kuminga can truly be an X-factor for the Warriors if he is willing to buy in and play a lesser role. The frustrating issue with Kuminga throughout his Golden State tenure has been that he tries to do too much with the ball in his hands.
Kuminga’s tendency to overdribble and attempt low-percentage shots causes issues that differ from Steve Kerr’s ball and player movement philosophy. Now, with a legit second option in Butler, the Warriors expect Kuminga to contribute in other facets of the game, such as defending, rebounding, and playing with high energy.
How Kuminga Can Impact Winning
Standing at 6-foot-7 with a very strong frame, Kuminga is a versatile defensive player capable of guarding 1-4.
He can be a chess piece for Jerry Stackhouse‘s defense, as he is capable of guarding the point of attack, wing players, and occasionally bigs. Kuminga’s versatility, size, and lateral quickness allow him to guard many different positions, which can be a weapon for Golden State in meaningful games.
Another aspect of Kuminga’s game that will be highlighted in his new role of playing more off the ball is his unique athleticism. There are not many NBA players more athletic than Kuminga. From an offensive standpoint, Kuminga can be effective in this role as he is a strong off-ball cutter and roller in pick-and-roll situations.
Below is a shot chart of Kuminga’s conversion percentage of baskets during the 2024-2025 NBA season thus far.
Back to Business Post-Injury
In his first game back from injury, Kuminga had a very strong game, predicated on his athleticism, to score around the rim.
In 20 minutes of action, Kuminga scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Nine of Kuminga’s ten shot attempts all came from within the interior, which is where he excels tremendously. If Kuminga can continue finishing around the basket at a high level while consistently getting to the free-throw line, this Warriors team can reach new heights.
In his six games since returning from injury, Kuminga is averaging 18.5 points (47% FG, 35% 3PT, 69% FT), 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Draymond Green Believes in Kuminga
The Warriors are sitting with the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference at 41-30, smack dab in the middle of the Lakers/Grizzlies (43-28) and the Clippers (40-31).
Kuminga should be able to settle in as the team’s third offensive option while providing a dimension of rim pressure and athleticism that this team lacks. Draymond Green has no doubt that as long as Kuminga buys into his new role, he can help elevate this team to make a serious playoff push.
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