The Jonathan Kuminga Experiment: Why it’s now or never for Warriors

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The Jonathan Kuminga Experiment: Why it’s now or never for Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors are on the clock. And so is Jonathan Kuminga.

They both will spend 59 games in the regular season, and maybe more in the playoffs, seeking clarity about a relationship that remains unclear after 232 games together.

They don’t know if he has the goods to be a cornerstone for the franchise once Stephen Curry and Draymond Green no longer carry the Golden State flag.

Kuminga’s first three-plus NBA seasons have not been enough to provide a definitive answer. It has been an exasperating brew of flash and fizzle, with dazzling highlights interrupted by vexing lapses. JK crushes an opponent one night, harms the Warriors the next.

Six weeks into the final season under Kuminga’s rookie contract, Warriors coach Steve Kerr has reinstalled the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Democratic Republic of Congo native in the starting lineup at power forward and says he is committed to it.

Consider this the Final JK Experiment.

“I want to look at it,” Kerr said. “Trying to maximize Jonathan.”

Kerr was speaking after a back-to-back set in which Kuminga started both games, carrying the Warriors in the first game – leading to the decision – and falling flat in the next. It represents a micro example of his career in macro.

Game 1 vs. Houston: Kuminga is scintillating over 33 minutes, scoring 33 points on 13-of-22 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, while also grabbing a season-high-tying seven rebounds. A terrific athlete competing against a team deep with athleticism, JK submits the most complete and efficient game of his career.

Game 2 vs. Minnesota: Kuminga plays 29 minutes, scores 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 1-of-4 from distance, while grabbing two rebounds. He looked lost against the Timberwolves.

But The Experiment would continue, with JK moving into the same position Draymond has owned for 10 years. Andrew Wiggins would stay at small forward, Kevon Looney would start at center and Green, coming off the bench, would shuffle between center and power forward.

“Playing (Kuminga)…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jonathan-kuminga-experiment-why-now-162709670.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-12-10 16:27:00

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