Kuminga in Warriors’ spotlight: Why the rest of 2024 will determine his future — and theirs

Jonathan Kuminga wants it all. He wants the minutes and a bigger role in the Golden State Warriors’ offense. He wants the opportunity to prove to himself, the team and the fans, that he can be a superstar in the league. He wants it all — the praise, the smoke and everything that comes with being a star on a team.

After four years of learning, working and advocating for himself, Kuminga’s moment is now. The aftermath of his last week, his start over Draymond Green in the seemed like a de facto passing of the torch but it’s not.

The Warriors have a tough eight-game stretch to close out 2024 beginning Wednesday night against the Rockets in an NBA Cup quarterfinal. If they make it to Vegas, they have the Thunder or the Mavericks waiting. They play the always-tough Memphis Grizzlies before a rematch with the Wolves on Dec. 21.

These upcoming games will determine if this Warriors team can truly contend, and the trajectory of their season lies in the balance. This isn’t a torch passing; it’s a ‘Is he that guy?’ challenge.

“A lot of people in this organization, including myself, think he’s next,” . “So, if he’s next, at some point, we gotta see it. For him to do that, he needs the opportunity. If the opportunity falls on you-being me-then that’s what it is. You gotta figure it out. He’s earned the right to get that opportunity.”

While Green spent most of his postgame session making clear that he has no problem coming off the bench and supporting Kuminga, Green challenged the 22-year-old and echoed the front office sentiment:

By entering Kuminga into the starting lineup, the Warriors want to see if he seizes this opportunity to prove that he’s a second option (and potential heir apparent) to Stephen Curry and re-sign him in the offseason, or they learn that Kuminga is not a fit moving forward and package him in a trade two months from now.

Kuminga and the Warriors did not reach a contract extension before the Oct. 21 deadline and will have to wait until the offseason before they can try to sign the fourth-year wing. With his increase in minutes and role, Kuminga has the opportunity to strengthen or weaken his value.