How the Warriors envision Kuminga’s Year 4 jump after breakout season originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Jonathan Kuminga is ready to build its impressive year 3 with the Warriors, the former 7th overall pick, and Golden State anticipating another layer to their game in Year 4.
Kuminga, for the first time in his professional NBA career, attended the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas as a spectator after spending the last two summers improving his floor game. This time, he was there to support his team as he spoke with ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth during Golden State’s matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
The 21-year-old detailed what he hopes to improve as he prepares for his fourth season with the Warriors.
“I’m just building on what I did last year,” Kuminga said. “Taking my game to the next level when it comes to defense, offense and just being that guy that sometimes the team depends on me to shoot big shots. Just being in the moment, helping us win games and being great.”
Kuminga credits much of his Year 3 explosion to gaining the trust of Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his teammates.
He also signed Draymond Green on a nominal basis, attributing his growth to his veteran teammate’s constant guidance.
In 74 games (46 starts) last season, Kuminga averaged 16.1 points shooting 52.9 percent while adding 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26.3 minutes. He averaged just over nine points the previous two seasons.
Now entering his fourth campaign, Kuminga is ready for what comes next. And Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy have high expectations.
“Normally the jump from Year 3 or Year 4 is huge, and that’s what we’re expecting from Jonathan this year,” Dunleavy told ESPN’s Mark Jones and Doris Burk during Saturday’s game. “He has dedicated his time over the years, but especially this summer. I know he’s really working hard.
“And I think he understands better how we play, how to evolve with Steph [Curry], with Draymond breaking the glass, cutting the baseline. And Jonathan has really improved every year and we feel like this could be the year he can make a big leap. We’ll be expecting that from him.”
