Prior to the Rising Star challenge in Cleveland, Jonathan Kuminga credited Golden State’s environment for his significant improvement. The rookie forward has become an integral part of the Warriors’ rotation the last few weeks.
“It really helps me,” Kuminga said Friday during his All-Star Weekend media availability. The promising forward is averaging 14.5 minutes per game through 47 games. So far, he has had seven starts with the Warriors’ star-studded roster.
Jonathan Kuminga of the @warriors is LIVE NOW! #CloroxRisingStars https://t.co/zIeZdM2IZd — NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2022
“I have at least four Hall of Fame players on my team, so just watching those guys every single day, the way they work, the way they do things, the way they carry themselves on and off the court, that’s a lot of things that a lot of rookies don’t get. So just me being around them is helping me a lot.”
Kuminga was the 7th overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. He spent last season in the G League with the NBA G League Ignite. Despite his rawness, he quickly curved out a role in the Warriors’ rotation.
He averaged 8.0 points on 51.1 percent shooting. The promising forward has also shown ability as an on-ball defender. The Warriors are on a +1.8 net rating with him on the floor.
Kuminga will play in the Rising Stars Game at the NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday. This will be another chance to shine in front of nationwide media against other rookies.
Kuminga has emerged as an important rotation piece after Draymond Green went down with a back injury. The former Ignite forward’s play has been a bonus for the championship aspiring Warriors going forward.
Golden State remains in the second place of the Western Conference with a 42-17 record, only behind the Phoenix Suns. The ‘Dubs’ will be among the teams that could win the title entering the postseason.
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