Jonathan Kuminga looking to take All-Star leap this summer

Jonathan Kuminga believes this summer will go a long way to dictating if he can have be an All-Star next season.

Jonathan Kuminga’s emergence as a genuine starting-level talent for the Golden State Warriors was a bright spot this season. The third-year forward impressed with his athleticism, rim pressure and defensive upside. He started 46 of his 74 games for Steve Kerr’s team.

Golden State’s offense had a different element when Kuminga was on the floor. He gave them a more direct outlet when looking to pressure the rim and force defensive collapses. His athleticism will make the Warriors’ offense more unpredictable in the coming years.

With his increased role and his undoubted skill set, Kuminga hopes to take a developmental leap this summer and contend for an All-Star selection.

“It’s all going to depend on how I take this summer,” Kuminga said. “It’s all going to come down to how I go through this summer. Anything is possible. I feel like I could do it going into next year.”

Kuminga, 21, was selected with the seventh pick in the 2021 draft. Since entering the NBA, he has been projected as a future All-Star. This season was the first real glimpse of his overall upside, as he looked capable of forcing himself into the All-Star conversation.

Kuminga will likely get increased opportunity within Golden State’s rotation next season. He’s proven he’s capable of affecting winning at the NBA level, and Golden State will likely make some changes to its roster. As such, if Kuminga can improve during the summer, he will take a big step toward All-Star consideration.

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