“I think JK, if you look at his 3 years here, I think it would look like the stock market over 10 years.” Through the remark, weeks ago, Steve Kerr highlighted how time has been Jonathan Kuminga’s biggest ally during his run with the franchise. From being someone who only averaged 9.3 points in his rookie season to going all the way to 16.1 points with an increase in shot attempts, the hooper has brought his offensive prowess to the forefront. Despite this, the last few weeks have been spent in tough speculation over what position he would ultimately occupy during the regular season. After the recent game, however, the Warriors boss may have made a decision.

After the Warriors 4th consecutive preseason win, Steve Kerr was asked whether he considers Buddy Hield as a potential sixth man. The head coach answered in the affirmative, stating, “He looks the part, doesn’t he? He comes off the bench, and you can feel his impact immediately. He’s not shy, and we need that. We need a scorer off the bench. He’s been fantastic these first 4 games, so I’m really excited about Buddy.”

In regards to Jonathan Kuminga, Kerr pointed out his three-point shooting ability, stating, “He’s shooting the three much more confidently. Clearly, there’s no hesitation. Looks like he is getting better balance on his shot. One thing we don’t want is guys who catch and hold.” The head coach had earlier indicated after the Kings matchup that Kuminga would continue in the starting lineup for the preseason. Having been making a case for him to be granted the small forward position, JK is putting his best foot forward through the far-away shots.

With Buddy Hield, also a small forward, gaining more confidence as a sixth man, Kerr would be comfortable handing Kuminga the small forward position, knowing he has a good backup. Originally occupying the power forward position, Kuminga has been efficient, but only in terms of offense.

When looking to fulfill the power forward’s essential role of getting rebounds, the 22-year-old has struggled. He only averaged 4.8 last season. Kuminga himself expressed the wish for a role change, stating, “At the end of the day, I know I’m a small forward and I can play at the highest level. But just going forward, it’s all about what the team wants you to do for them to win, to help them win.”

His request has even earned him support from a few of his teammates. During the Warriors training camp, Draymond Green went on the record, saying, “I think he’s a 3 (small forward). That’s always been my opinion. That’s not going to change my feeling.”

The veteran believed that the #4 position (power forward) requires the player to possess a particular skill set, which Jonathan Kuminga may not develop. Having identified the player’s strength, a shift may soon be inevitable. If the discussion about JK and Buddy Hield wasn’t enough, one can also see signs of a change coming through the instructions that Kerr is passing on to his young player.

Jonathan Kuminga revealed what Steve Kerr told him after impressive shooting against the Kings: “I’m not overthinking it”

After an under-par performance against the Clippers, Jonathan Kuminga dropped 16 and 19 points respectively in the two preseason games against the Sacramento Kings. The first game saw him take his three-point shooting ability to a new level, dropping 4-7 (57.1%) through the hoop. At +9, his efficiency rating for that game was the highest out of all the other preseason games of this series.

In the post-game presser, when asked about his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, Kuminga revealed that he had been practicing all summer. The hooper put forward the need to make use of only the opportunities that open up, stating, “I’m not overthinking it. Coach wants me to take the ones that are open and not think about it. The more you don’t think about it, the more you make them.”

With 3-5 three-pointers made against the Detroit Pistons, accompanied by 4-9 field goals and 1-2 free throws, the player’s shooting seems to be on the right track. As Steve Kerr highlighted, his rise in the Bay Area is equivalent to that of the stock market. By the time the preseason is over, Jonathan Kuminga may well be ready to spend more time as a small forward.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.