The Oklahoma City Thunder have a total of three picks in the first round in the upcoming NBA Draft. Specifically, they have the sixth, 16th, and 18th pick. For those following Thunder-related news, you know that the team has accumulated a ridiculous number of picks over the next several years. This bring is to Jonathan Kuminga. Well, in a second anyway.
The upcoming draft is the first step in this long rebuilding process. There can be no doubts about Sam Presti's ability to spot high-caliber prospects. After all, he's the one who picked Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
What makes the Thunder roster interesting is that they're still malleable at this point. They don't have an identity as a team which allows Presti and the crew to take their time to spot who, among their current players and future picks, they'll build around.
Jonathan Kuminga, a 6-foot-8 forward who chose to forgo college and play for NBA G League Ignite, is an interesting player that the Thunder should consider picking and developing. At this point, there are weak points in his game that need a lot of work. However, there are also excellent parts that can make him a valuable part of the Thunder in just his first year. And if the Thunder nurtures him properly, then Kuminga may just be the franchise player they're looking for.
Stellar Rebounder, Upside on Offense
The first thing that sounds out in Kuminga's numbers is his rebounding. Last season, he averaged 7.2 rebounds. This is a pretty good number considering that Jonathan Kuminga plays inside and outside the lane. Whatever angle you look at it, a good rebounder is an asset to any team — whether if they're rebuilding, a midtier, or a contender. A rebounder gets the ball for you. And when you have the ball in your hands more often than the opposing team, then you have more chances to score. In the game of basketball, the team with the most points wins.
For the Thunder front office, they can comfortably proceed with rebuilding the roster knowing that they have a dependable rebounder in Kuminga. This rebounding ability, plus his size and mobility make him a bit like a Kawhi Leonard or a Rui Hachimura. A hefty player who is a forward by default but will have no problem matching up against guards.
The main concern about Jonathan Kuminga is his poor shooting percentage. He shot a horrendous 38.7 percent from the field with the G League Ignite last season. This is nowhere near acceptable when most of your shots are within the 3-point line. However, if there's one positive we can take away from Kuminga's offensive game is that he has solid footwork. Highlight clips reveal that apart from his strength, Kuminga maneuvers his way around foes through a display of good fundamental footwork, as well as patience whenever he's close to the ring.
Playmaking Potential
Though Jonathan Kuminga averaged just 2.7 assists last season, the 18-year-old old showed off flashes of playmaking potential several times. After getting the rebound, Kuminga has that innate desire to run the ball himself instead of handing it to his point guard. He has shown the ability to finish it off himself. He also has the presence of mind to dish it off to his running mates for an easy two points.
In half-court setups, Jonathan Kuminga is also quick to spot openings. He can dart a bullet pass to his cutting teammates or nifty bounce passes as well. This may be the unexplored part of his game that the Thunder can further develop. If they're able to hone this part of Kuminga's game, then he can be the front and center of their offense as they move forward. They can then draft players or acquire veterans that would perfectly complement Kuminga's game.
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