Looking Towards the Draft: Jonathan Kuminga
The 2021 NBA draft is looking to be an extremely promising and deep draft with plenty of headline talent including the likes of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green, and the focus for this article: Jonathan Kuminga.
Jonathan Kuminga is a 6'8" small forward from the Congo who played in the G-League bubble in Orlando for the G-League Ignite team. This team was specially created by the NBA for young prospects such as Kuminga to join while they wait on eligibility for the NBA. The Ignite team is comprised in such a way that young up-and-coming prospects are placed on a team with older veterans so they are given veteran leadership as they make their way into the pros. This past season, Kuminga was joined on the Ignite with fellow projected lottery pick Jalen Green as well as veterans such as Amir Johnson.
During his 13 games with the Ignite, Kuminga averaged 15.8/7.2/2.7 while shooting 38.7% from the field and 24.6% beyond the arc. Despite his struggles with shooting, Kuminga is excellent in transition play being able to finish on his own or find teammates to complete the play. His large frame and size combined with his athleticism allow him to drive into the lane with ease and use it as his primary offensive tool. While his 3-point shooting has improved from his time in high school to his stint in the G-league, his low free throw percentage, which is a fairly good tool to determine how well prospects will end up shooting in the league, indicating that his shot may need significant work if it were to become a part of his offensive arsenal. Kuminga is also talented working from the post with an assortment of post moves in his arsenal which may lead the team that drafts him to be able to use him as 4 or small ball 5.
On the other side of the ball, Kuminga is an excellent defender that is able to use his size to his advantage. Similar to how Ben Simmons is able to guard 1–5 by utilizing his speed and size, Kuminga has the tools to do the same. While Kuminga has shown lapses in judgment and focus during his G-League scrimmages, if he is able to hone himself in, he should be able to become one of the league's best defenders.
Jonathan Kuminga projects to be one of the most exciting prospects coming into the league despite his abilities being very raw. His offensive game and especially his shooting could use a lot of work if he were to become a dominant two-way force but his combination of size, speed, and athleticism is a deadly combination that a struggling team may be attracted to. I strongly believe that his development as a player is wholly dependent on how well the team that drafts him is able to hone and harness his abilities. Finally, his experience in the G-league surrounded by pros and his experience in the bubble should be considered a positive for sure.
