Jonathan Kuminga‘s performances have gone to another level since Draymond Green returned to the rotation.
The third-year forward is one of the Golden State Warriors‘ most consistent performers on both ends of the court. He had 26 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, which helped the Warriors bounce back from two consecutive losses.
When speaking to the media after the game, Green shared his belief that Kuminga is the player who will carry the Warriors into the next generation. He also shared how Golden State’s current veteran will likely lean on Kuminga’s young legs and boundless energy moving forward.
“We had older guys ride our legs for years,” Green said. “Because we were younger, we were able to handle that. So, now it’s his turn, and he’s going to carry us on now. I think that’s the maturation process. That’s why you draft a young guy like that with the seventh pick. Because the roles will reverse, he’s starting to carry us more than we’re carrying him. … He’s handling it with grace and very well.”
Kuminga has become a core part of Steve Kerr‘s rotation. The new-look frontcourt of Kuminga, Green and Andrew Wiggins is working well together and looks to be the frontcourt lineup for the rest of the season.
Draymond says it's JK turn to "carry" this next Warriors era 👀 pic.twitter.com/GHJyg40HSl
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 31, 2024
Previously, Kuminga was reported to have lost faith in Kerr’s coaching and leadership. However, it would appear those issues are water under the bridge, which should allow the Warriors to focus on stockpiling wins and climbing back into the playoff picture.
