Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft
Jonathan Kuminga. 7. player. 41. . PF. Golden State Warriors
Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 7. Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga just became the youngest player to start in the NBA playoffs. If you told me that before the season, I probably would’ve rolled my eyes. Kuminga was widely billed as a project after his rocky season with the G-League Ignite, and many expected him to ride the bench in Golden State. Not so. He was immediately impactful off the bench and is already a key piece in the Warriors’ quest for another championship.
At 6-foot-7, Kuminga’s utility as a small-ball five has been his greatest asset with Golden State. His ability to hold up defensively is equal parts surprising and impressive, while his explosive offensive talent shines through most when surrounded by multiple shooters and playmakers. The tutelage of Draymond Green has no doubt helped, and the Warriors continue to prove highly adept at developing talent behind established superstars.
The whole point of drafting Kuminga was his absurd athletic talent and long-term upside. He has flashed real on-ball scoring chops in the past, with size, strength, and speed reminiscent of great NBA wings. If he’s already proving impactful as a plug-and-play, multi-positional role player, that’s just gravy.