Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga ’embracing coaching’ in third NBA season – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Jonathan Kuminga Poised for Year 3 Breakout with Warriors

In the preseason, Jonathan Kuminga has been instrumental in the Golden State Warriors’ undefeated record. The 21-year-old forward has scored an impressive 78 points in just three games, making him the current NBA leader in scoring for the preseason. After being left out of the playoff rotation last season, Kuminga has shown significant improvement, catching the attention of Warriors coach Steve Kerr as the 2023-24 season approaches.

Kerr acknowledged Kuminga’s increased comfort and confidence, as well as his improved shooting. The team has developed a positive dynamic, with Kuminga becoming more self-aware and embracing coaching. Kerr believes that Kuminga’s progress is a natural part of his maturity as a player.

Kerr stated, “Kuminga’s talent has never been a question. However, this is his third year in the league, and he has been learning the intricacies of the NBA and what it takes to make winning plays. It can be challenging for young players in their first couple of years to understand the pace of the game. JK seems to have found his comfort level and is grasping what it means to contribute to winning. His timing couldn’t be better, as he is becoming an integral part of our team.”

After an inconsistent performance last season, marked by flashes of brilliance and questionable decision-making, Kuminga dedicated himself to summer workouts. He returned to training camp this season with the determination to showcase his readiness for the next level. Kuminga has been demonstrating the improvements requested by Kerr and the coaching staff, particularly in the area of rebounding. However, Kerr clarified that Kuminga was never in his “doghouse” during the playoffs; he was simply a less experienced option on a bench filled with highly skilled players.

Now, Kerr envisions Kuminga blossoming into the player they had envisioned – one who exhibits the right qualities and accepts coaching in order to contribute to victories.

Kerr explained, “I don’t have a doghouse. When playoffs arrive, I play the players who I believe will help us win. Last year, that’s exactly what I did, selecting players like Gary Payton II, Klay Thompson, and Steph Curry. I felt that at that point, JK was not ready. If I believed otherwise, he would have had the opportunity to play. It’s a straightforward decision.”

Kerr emphasized the importance of the growth and learning process for young players. He expressed his satisfaction with the partnership and collaboration between himself and Kuminga, stating that everything is progressing as expected.

Dub Nation eagerly awaits Kuminga’s performance in the upcoming regular season.

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