Jonathan Kuminga visits ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to discuss his improvement from the 2023-24 season.
Jonathan Kuminga is poised to expand on his excellent Year 3 with the Warriors, with both the former No. 7 overall pick and Golden State expecting another layer to his game in Year 4.
Kuminga attended NBA Summer League in Las Vegas as a spectator for the first time in his NBA professional career, having spent the previous two summers working on his game on the court. This time, he was there to support his team and catch up with ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth during Golden State’s game against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
The 21-year-old explained what he intends to improve on as he prepares for his fourth season with the Warriors.
“Just building on what I did last year,” Kuminga said. “I’m moving my game to the next level in terms of defense, attack, and just being the man the team can rely on to take huge shots. Just being there in the moment, helping us win games, and being fantastic.”
Kuminga attributes much of his Year 3 performance to acquiring the faith and confidence of Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his teammates.
He also spoke to Draymond Green by name, crediting his development to the persistent tutelage of his experienced teammate.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 26.3 minutes per game. He averaged just over nine points in the previous two seasons.
Kuminga, now in his fourth campaign, is ready for whatever comes next. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy has high expectations.
“Usually that Year 3 or Year 4 leap is a huge one, and that’s what we’re hoping out of Jonathan this year,” Dunleavy told ESPN’s Mark Jones and Doris Burk during Saturday’s game. “He has put in the time over the years, but especially this summer. I know he works incredibly hard.”And I believe he has a greater understanding of how we play, how to improve oneself with Steph [Curry], Draymond, storming the glass, and cutting the baseline. And Jonathan has improved year after year, and we believe this is the year he will make a significant step forward. We’ll expect that from him.”
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