Jonathan

Kuminga

While the 2023-24 season was the best of Kuminga’s NBA career, his skill set limited where he could play within the Warriors’ rotation. According to Cleaning the Glass, 96% of his minutes were played at the power forward position, meaning he could not share the floor with Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis. That trio can be Golden State’s best defensive frontcourt, but only if Kuminga expands his offensive repertoire. “I think he sees the floor pretty well, but his fundamentals in terms of passing have to improve if he’s going to play the three,” Kerr said. “We need him to play the three if we want to have Trayce out there at the five and Draymond at the four. That ideally would be a great defensive lineup. But we’re not ready for that yet as a team.”

While some of their starters struggled in Tuesday’s defeat, the Warriors received good minutes from Kuminga and Moses Moody. Both scored 16 points off the bench, with the former capping a decent third season. However, even with the improved production, Kuminga finished the regular season just outside the top 150 in 8- and 9-cat formats. As for Moody, his 16 points were supplemented by three rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers in 15 minutes. He finished the season ranked outside the top 250 in 8- and 9-cat formats. Both wings are eligible for rookie-scale extensions this summer, with Kuminga appearing to have a better chance of receiving that kind of commitment from the Warriors.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will miss this game, which will allow for Paul and Kuminga to return to the starting unit. They could still move up the standings if the Kings and Lakers lose, and this group should still be able to get a win over the tanking Jazz. While Paul will return to the bench for the Play-In Tournament next week, Steve Kerr could make an adjustment in the frontcourt based on how things go in this one.

Steph Curry and Draymond Green are out, but Golden State will have Thompson, Paul and Kuminga available to pick up the slack. Expect all three to play pivotal roles in the regular-season finale.

Both of Golden State’s power forwards may miss Sunday’s regular season finale, since they’ll be relying on other teams to have a chance to rise up the standings. Kevon Looney and Dario Saric should be in line for more minutes if Kuminga and Draymond sit out.

Kuminga got the start in their last game with Draymond Green sidelined, but the two players will swap positions for this one, with Green returning to the lineup. This will be a second straight absence for GP2, which will leave a few extra reserve minutes for Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.

Kuminga tallied 19 points and six rebounds in Thursday’s win over Portland, filling the void left by Draymond Green in the starting lineup. With Green considered probable to play Friday, Kuminga will likely return to the bench if he’s available. If not, Draymond can return to the starting lineup without causing too much change to the rotation.

Kuminga returned to the starting lineup on Thursday, as the Warriors were without Draymond Green (knee). The third-year wing had a solid night in Portland, as he was one of four Warriors in double figures. Trayce Jackson-Davis also played well, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and four blocked shots in 27 minutes. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Thursday’s game that Green should be available for Friday’s game against the Pelicans, which would push Kuminga back to the bench.

It was initially announced that Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski would start for the absent Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. However, Paul will start instead of Podziemski. The change boosts Paul’s value slightly, as he was already a player who needed to be rostered in all active leagues. Podziemski misses out on a significant boost to his fantasy value but should be fine with Thompson sidelined.

The Warriors are without Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Paul and Kuminga will fill them, boosting the short-term value of both players. The lineup change will not be a long-term deal, as Thompson and Green should be available for Friday’s game against the Pelicans.