Golden State Warriors forward prospect Jonathan Kuminga (20, 203cm), who has been in his second year of NBA debut this season, has succeeded in expanding his position within the team by gradually increasing his playing time. Cuminga averaged 16.9 minutes last season. He played 3 fewer games this season than last season, but his average playing time increased significantly to 20.8 minutes.
Average points and rebounds also increased slightly from 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds to 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds. He played the role of a game changer by completing highlight films in his attacks with his excellent physical condition and outstanding athletic ability.
However, Cuminga doesn’t have a lot of weight in this playoff. So far, while the second round of the playoffs is underway, he has played in six games and averaged 6.0 minutes, 2.3 points and 0.8 rebounds. Even on April 27, he did not even play in the 5th round against Sacramento in the 1st round and the 1st round against the Lakers in the 2nd round on the 3rd.
So what is the reason for Kuminga being pushed out of the rotation like this? There are two main things. First of all, the biggest reason is that Andrew Wiggins (28, 201cm), who belongs to the same position, returned to the court in time for the start of the playoffs overcoming family problems.
Apparently, from the team’s point of view, in a short-term match where ‘experience and dignity’ are valued, it is inevitable to place more emphasis on players with rich experience in large matches than rookies with little experience. Moreover, Wiggins showed good performances in the offense and defense throughout the playoffs last season, and played a significant role in helping Golden State win the Finals.
The second is rebound aggressiveness. Compared to his height and athletic ability, Cuminga’s rebounding ability isn’t that great. Even in the first round series with Sacramento right away, Cuminga played 37 minutes in 6 games and recorded only 5 rebounds. In the U.S., analysis has been raised that this is why Cuminga is not getting a chance.
Cuminga’s vacancy was taken by Jamaikal Green (32, 203cm). Green came off the bench in Game 1 of the second round against the Lakers and scored 6 points, including 2 3-pointers, in 8 minutes.
After the first game, coach Steve Kerr said, “We have to face a big and strong team. In that sense, Jamaikal (Green) can add strength from the back line in terms of height and air possession, and can also shoot 3-pointers. “He made a few 3-pointers today, which could be one way to loosen up the Lakers defense,” he said around the corner, explaining why he favored the green over Cuminga.
Cuminga is clearly in a frustrating situation. But he is trying to deal with it positively.
In an interview with the ‘San Francisco Chronicle’, Cuminga said, “It is clear that it is a difficult time for me. To be honest, I cannot be satisfied or laughed at the current playing time.” .In such evaluation, I had to prove my skills only and came to this place through a lot of effort. It is also the driving force that makes me work hard in everything. Although the sun is not shining on me now, as it has been so far, I will one day see the sun shine on me. I will try to shine. I will not stop my efforts in the future.
” If anyone becomes a matchup, I am confident 크크크벳 to stop it. So I’m waiting for the moments when I’m going to play on the court thinking I’ll get a chance someday. I will be ready to go on the court at any time,” he added.
Teammates also praised Cuminga’s attitude. Wiggins said, “Kuminga is a positive player in everything. He always works hard in training and can do more. “Probably every player wants to play on the court. I think he can take a chance and I believe he will do his best when he gets a chance.”
One thing is certain: Cuminga is a promising swingman whose future is much more promising than the present. If Golden State struggles with the Lakers’ net defense in the first game against the Lakers and loses 112-117, and these problems continue in the second game, Cuminga, who has both athletic ability and scoring ability, may be an alternative solution to the problem. It remains to be seen what kind of choice Kerr will make.