Even though the Golden State Warriors are still dead last in the Western Conference, there is some hope for the team’s future because to Jonathan Kuminga’s recent rise to prominence.
The third-year forward, who now plays as the Warriors’ second scoring option behind two-time MVP Stephen Curry, is rapidly becoming well-known. For the past ten games, Kuminga and Curry have been the highest scoring tandem in the league; on 58.3% shooting, Kuminga has averaged 24.9 points and 6.7 rebounds.
With nine 20-point performances in his previous ten games, Kuminga has established himself as a reliable member of Golden State’s lineup after an uneven start to the season.
External observers have started to notice the 21-year-old’s recent play, and Kuminga is now a strong candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player title. The former seventh overall choice is currently the fourth favourite for the prize at +3400 odds according to Fanduel Sportsbook.
Tyrese Maxey is a clear favourite to win, according to bookmakers; Coby Whit and Alperun Sengun complete the top three favourites, per FanDuel. But, Kuminga still has plenty of time to improve his candidature, as Golden State has 35 games remaining.
With an additional four minutes played per game on average, Kuminga’s scoring increased from 9.9 in the previous season to 15.4 in 2023–2024. His field-goal percentage and steals are also higher at 4.7 and 3.4 respectively, as are his rebounding statistics.
Given that Kuminga has played in 10 games at an average of almost 33 minutes per game, those stats are only likely to rise. He now plays a crucial role in Golden State’s ascent into the postseason after going for 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a crucial victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
FanDuel also ranks Kuminga as the eighth favourite for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award. Although he has started 26 of his 46 games this season, he has only played from the bench 26 of those times. As a result, he will not be eligible for that accolade.
