Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has high expectations for his teammate, Jonathan Kuminga, in the 2024-25 NBA season. According to the four-time NBA champion, Kuminga can secure his first-ever NBA All-Star selection this year if he shoulders a bigger offensive load.
“(He) has to be a great scorer. He needs to be above 20 points per game, and six (to) seven rebounds a night, and we need to win. Especially if you want to become a first-time All-Star. We know what he’s capable of and we believe in him.” Green said of Kuminga during a recent interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke.
“Anything less than an All-Star is a failure for him,” the 34-year-old enforcer reiterated.
Jonathan Kuminga is coming off his best season in 2023-24, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 52.9 percent shooting from the field in 74 regular season games (46 starts). He would’ve been qualified to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award if he played a bigger role last year.
The 22-year-old swingman is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and according to reports, he could seek a maximum contract next summer worth up to $224 million.
Jonathan Kuminga has a lot to prove with the Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga was almost traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a potential Lauri Markkanen deal, but the Golden State Warriors pulled the plug. Kuminga now has to repay the team’s faith in him by rising to Draymond Green’s challenge.
The former G League Ignite forward is averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 52.3 percent from the field in 21.8 minutes per contest (five games) this preseason.
“Draymond’s not going to give you those types of props if you don’t show it. For him to believe in you, you have to show him you can do it. (It) motivated me to have a great summer to make him proud. He’s always pushing me, helping me (and) guiding me.” Kuminga stated.
