Jonathan Kuminga turned heads with his 24 point, eight rebound, four assist, two block performance in the Warriors preseason opening win over the Lakers. Coaches and players have indicated Kuminga has been more locked in during training camp, willing to work on areas of his game (rebounding and defensive attentiveness) the coaching staff demands to earn more playing time, and it has some wondering if this will be a breakout year for the third year forward.
Willard and Dibs discussed on Wednesday the possibility that Kuminga could be on track for a third year jump similar to that of 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk, in year three last season, increased his production by 22 receptions and nearly 200 yards while scoring a career high eight touchdowns. He is on pace for even bigger numbers this season. Beyond the numbers, Aiyuk climbed out of the Kyle Shanahan dog house and became regarded as one of the hardest workers on the 49ers.
If Kuminga can harness a similar mindset he could be due for a significant jump in production and playing time this season. Kuminga averaged 9.9 points per game with 3.5 rebounds 1.9 assists in 20.8 minutes in 2022-23 but was rendered unplayable from the middle of the Warriors first round series vs. Kings until the team was eliminated by the Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.
