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Jonathan Kuminga’s action has plummeted in recent months, and it looks like he’s still on the board when the Warriors score 7th in the 2021 NBA Draft.
If this is how it goes, Golden State should be ready to pounce.
Not so long ago, Kuminga’s name would have been considered for the first overall pick in one of the most beloved draft classes of the past 20 years. His game in the G League bubble garnered rave reviews and he looked to be as good a prospect as any to bank on.
But since then he has reportedly fallen on the board, while a handful of other top prospects have parted ways with him and the rest. His poor shot last season was endlessly harassed, and the prevailing feeling is that he’s a project that’s several seasons away from being a big contributor on a playoff team.
This criticism, however, has apparently been exaggerated. And even if he didn’t, he would still be an absolute steal for the Warriors.
Look, there’s no question he shot 24.6% beyond the arc with the G League Ignite last season, and yes, while he has some elite physical tools, they will require refinement. Since the Warriors have declared their intention to compete for a championship next season, many have argued that they would be better off selecting a more finished product with their first of two lottery picks. But passing Kuminga to seven – if he falls that far – would be a big mistake.
Kuminga, at 6 feet 8 inches and 220 pounds, is built like an adonis. He already has an NBA body, but won’t be 19 until October. He is an elite athlete who can play both forward positions and is an active rebounder. He can create his own shot, hit the rim, and adapt to the prototype of the modern All-NBA wing defender. The Warriors would be incredibly lucky to add a prospect like this, no matter when its potential can be fully realized.
If we assume this is the last time the Warriors will pick the lottery in the next few years – which is certainly their current state of mind and expectations – then it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll ever get the chance. to write a prospect with a ceiling as high as that of Kuminga over this period. That’s it. This is their chance. If they want to add a future star through the draft, it almost certainly has to be now.
Of the prospects that could possibly drop to seven, none have as much star potential as Kuminga. And related, it will arguably have the greatest commercial value in the future. Even if he doesn’t become a star for Golden State, he could still be of great help in acquiring one.
The Warriors still hunt big game. If there is a great name available, they will be involved. That includes this offseason, during which the Warriors will do everything in their power to surround Steph Curry with more talent. But a quick glance at the league doesn’t reveal an obvious and realistic way for the Warriors to add another star. It’s entirely possible – and perhaps likely – that they will need to be patient and stay in the weeds until seasonal developments change the landscape.
RELATED: Chad Ford Hot Take: Warriors Shouldn’t Draft These Two Players
If this is how it works, Kuminga would be a phenomenal business chip to have. His willingness to immediately contribute to the Warriors wouldn’t matter. If he struggled from the start, he would still be of immense value because of his potential. And, if he turned out to be much more willing to contribute than is commonly claimed, then this is the ideal outcome for Golden State. Either the Warriors will have found another star, or they will have a formidable arsenal of assets to go out and get one with.
The project, above all, aims to maximize value. Teams get into trouble when they forget this and usually end up regretting it. Kuminga might not be the perfect fit for the Warriors’ next season, but if he is available at seven, he would be the perfect choice.
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