Stephen Curry isn’t the only Warrior hitting the headlines these days. His teammate Jonathan Kuminga has been quite a talk recently. Speculations about his future in the Bay Area have intrigued the NBA trade market. However, the Dub Nation is demanding more floor time for the 1x champ. Is it happening? No. Besides, JK repeatedly finds himself mired in some controversy or another.

Eddie Johnson’s “quit” remarks weren’t probably enough, as ex-NBA player Jeff Teague added some more drama. “Kuminga is the prime definition of a young talent. Like he don’t really know how to play,” Teague bluntly remarked about the 22-year-old forward. Averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, Jonathan Kuminga has yet to shine the brightest for Steve Kerr and Co.

Teague further expressed on the Club 520 podcast: “But he’s talented. That’s like most of the kids growing up now. I hate to sound like the old head to say that. But like, when you watch basketball or you coach it or are being around, people really don’t know the fundamentals of the game. Or really know how to play it. They’re just super talented, athletic, and stuff like that.”

So it looks like, the ex-Bucks player thinks Jonathan Kuminga is all talent and no play. That is just another blow to the forward who’s simply accepted his inconsistent status on the team; shifting between being a starter and coming off the bench. Besides, Steve Kerr’s recent, “We don’t need contested 17-footers with 12 on the shot clock. That’s a bad shot,” remark assumed to be a jab at Jonathan Kuminga despite his effective 11-point game against the Timberwolves might have exposed a bigger concern.

And it’s not just a Golden State Warriors headache but for the NBA in general.

Jonathan Kuminga’s odd issue is a major concern for the league

Jeff Teague believes that Jonathan Kuminga is talented. He has potential and everything, however, he cannot play. The former hooper’s not-so-subtle emphasis on on-court IQ is something that should worry the league. You need to know the fundamentals of the game and/or know how to play. Just being athletic and talented won’t be enough if you cannot apply the basics on the hardwood floor.

“That’s what the difference is between a Jokic or Luka. All these players that come to the league, they’re skilled but they understand the game. They got high, high IQs, they know how to play and right now we just got a bunch of athletes who are super talented for sure.” Teague’s strong comment on the European talent pool should be a wake-up call for the likes of Jonathan Kuminga.

Although, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokić have been around the NBA for quite some time now. However, the JK and young talents like him need to understand that the league is soaring the flags in Europe because they want entertainment on the floor. Therefore, Club 520 co-host B Hen added: “I think that’s another reason why the NBA really trying to, you know, I’m saying, play their flag in Europe. Because they like, alright, if we’re getting these talents coming over here playing the game this way. If go ahead and tap in early. We can make sure our product is elite from the beginning.”

So, controversies, doubts, and who knows what else mired Jonathan Kuminga. And while this continues, a major shake-up appears before the league. But picking on Jeff’s “high IQ” comment, franchises and the NBA need to work hand-in-hand. Surely, the European stars are giving the audience an “elite” taste of basketball. But, fans want more and more precisely from JK, who has to channel his talent to something more fruitful.