Jonathan Kuminga on Tuesday pulled no punches when it came to discussing his potential range in the NBA draft, saying directly he should be a top-five pick on July 29.
Kuminga averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal in 13 games with the NBA G League Ignite. He produced four 20-point games and four double-doubles during the truncated season before he missed the final three contests with knee soreness.
Kuminga is widely projected to be drafted in the 5-8 range by most mock drafts. However, the 6-foot-8 forward believes he should firmly be among the first five players off the board.
“I know for sure I’m a top-five pick, but I’m not worried about that,” Kuminga said on Tuesday after working out with the Orlando Magic. “The NBA teams didn’t drop me, that’s just the rankings. We don’t know where I’m going to end up, so I’m not really concerned about dropping because I don’t really look into it. I know for sure I haven’t dropped; that’s just how I see things.”
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Kuminga was among the high-profile prospects who participated with the Ignite last season. He believes the experience helped him grow as a player and a person after learning from veterans Bobby Brown, Jarrett Jack and Amir Johnson.
Since the season ended, Kuminga has been busy working out and training in Miami. He has worked hard to improve his shot while other areas of his game have taken a leap.
“Since I left the bubble with the G League, I think I have grown a lot,” Kuminga said. “Just seeing myself as an all-around player. Whatever (teams) need me to be to win a game, to contribute and make everybody better, that’s where I’m going to go. It’s just me on the court with the rest of the guys. I will bring it on defense and offense.”
https://youtu.be/dgHXrNpVNDM
In addition to the Magic, Kuminga has worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Oklahoma City Thunder during the pre-draft process. He plans to work out in front of the Golden State Warriors in Miami, where he is training.
Kuminga possesses the physical tools that would make for a smooth transition to the next level and his 7-foot wingspan certainly intrigues teams. He projects to be a future franchise cornerstone and appears poised to get his wish to be a top-five draft pick.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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