After years of waiting in the wings, Jonathan Kuminga is set to take a significant step forward in his role with the Golden State Warriors. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, known for his meticulous approach to developing young players, has finally given Kuminga the “green light” to shoot three-pointers this season. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Kuminga’s NBA career, as it reflects a growing trust from the coaching staff in his offensive abilities. After four years of limited opportunities to showcase his perimeter game, Kuminga now has the freedom to stretch the floor and contribute more dynamically on the offensive end.
Jonathan Kuminga’s potential has been a topic of discussion since the Warriors selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. From the outset, his combination of athleticism, size, and defensive versatility caught the attention of the Warriors’ coaching staff and fans alike. However, Kuminga’s offensive game, particularly his shooting from beyond the arc, remained a work in progress. In his first three seasons, Steve Kerr emphasized developing Kuminga’s defensive skills and his ability to impact games through his energy, athleticism, and physicality in the paint.
Kuminga’s shooting mechanics and consistency from three-point range were areas that required patience. The Warriors, a team that has been defined by elite shooting with players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, needed Kuminga to master other parts of his game before expanding his offensive role. While he showed flashes of potential in the limited opportunities he had, the emphasis was on his defensive growth and learning to play within the Warriors’ system.
The decision to grant Kuminga the green light to shoot from deep is the result of steady progress in his development. During offseason workouts and training camp, Kuminga’s improved shooting has been a focal point. He has demonstrated a more confident stroke and better shot selection, which has caught the eye of Kerr and his coaching staff. Kerr’s decision to allow Kuminga to take more three-pointers this season is a testament to the work that Kuminga has put in behind the scenes.
“We’ve seen how much Jonathan has grown, especially with his shot,” Kerr mentioned in a recent interview. “He’s been putting in the work, and now he’s ready to take on a bigger role. We want him to feel comfortable taking those shots when they’re open. He’s earned that opportunity.” This statement from Kerr is significant, as it not only shows his belief in Kuminga’s abilities but also signals a shift in how the Warriors plan to integrate Kuminga into their offensive schemes.
The development of Jonathan Kuminga’s three-point shot has the potential to add a new dimension to the Warriors’ offense. For a team that relies heavily on floor spacing and movement, having a versatile forward like Kuminga who can stretch the defense is invaluable. His ability to knock down open shots will not only make him a more dangerous offensive player but will also create more space for Curry and Thompson to operate.
In the past, defenders would often sag off Kuminga, daring him to shoot from beyond the arc. Now, with Kerr’s encouragement to take those shots, Kuminga has the chance to punish opponents who leave him open. His athleticism allows him to blow past defenders on closeouts, making him a dual threat as both a shooter and a driver. If Kuminga can establish himself as a reliable three-point shooter, it will open up more opportunities for him to attack the rim and finish with his signature explosiveness.
For Kuminga, this new responsibility comes with both excitement and a sense of purpose. He understands that this is his chance to take a leap forward in his career and establish himself as a key contributor on a team with championship aspirations. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I’m ready to take it on,” Kuminga said when asked about his expanded role. “I know how important it is for me to be a consistent shooter in this league, and I’m going to keep working to make those shots count.”
Kuminga’s readiness to embrace this opportunity speaks to his growth as a player and his commitment to fitting into the Warriors’ system. The trust that Kerr is placing in him is not given lightly, and it reflects a belief that Kuminga can handle the pressure of taking—and making—big shots when the team needs them. It’s also a reminder that player development is not always a linear path, especially within a team like the Warriors that prioritizes winning now while building for the future.
As the new season begins, all eyes will be on Jonathan Kuminga to see how he adapts to his expanded role. With the freedom to shoot from three, he has the chance to become a more complete player and a true X-factor for the Warriors. For Kerr and the Warriors, the hope is that this trust in Kuminga’s shooting will pay dividends, not only in the regular season but also in the playoffs, where floor spacing becomes even more critical.
Ultimately, the story of Jonathan Kuminga’s development is a reminder of the importance of patience and persistence in the NBA. After four years of working on his game, he has earned the trust of one of the league’s most respected coaches. Now, with the green light to shoot from beyond the arc, Kuminga has the opportunity to make a significant impact for a team with championship ambitions. And for the Warriors, this season could be the one where Kuminga’s hard work and potential come together in a big way.