“Steve was talking about how we all need to be in shape because we’re gonna be playing faster,” Jonathan Kuminga said to reporters after training camp practice. Coach Kerr seems to focus on creating a new offensive identity for the Warriors going into this season. And while the above instruction was for everyone in general, Kuminga’s focus is on one thing – “I’m trying to get my catch-and-shoot percentage way higher.”

Yup! We are already waiting with bated breath how the Dubs will do this season without Klay Thompson for the first time in the Splash Brothers era. And per Stat Mamba, “Klay Thompson averages the most catch-and-shoot PPG in NBA history. Shooting 42.4% on such attempts for his career.” In fact, last season Thompson averaged 8.1 points per game of catch-and-shoot threes, the highest in the Warriors.

So, yes, Kuminga has big shoes to fill. But talking to reporters post the Kings’ matchup, the 22-year-old just gave the straight facts on how he felt he did on the “straight catch-and-shoot.”

“I worked on it [catch-and-shoot threes] all summer and I’m still working on it until now. And I’m just taking the ones that open…I’m not overthinking about taking them. And actually, Coach want me to take the ones that open and not think about it because the more you don’t think about it the more you make them, so that’s just my goal, too,” Kuminga explained.

For a team like the Golden State that relies heavily on spacing and shooting, catch-and-shoot efficiency is vital. And so, it really is commendable that JK, along with his goal of being an All-Star, is focusing on improving a key aspect of the team’s offensive toolkit. But his contract extension still hovers like a dark cloud.

Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension hangs in the air as his focus remains unaffected

The Congolese forward is eligible for a hefty contract extension, more specifically, a five-year $224 million deal. And if the Warriors don’t lock the promising young champion, he will become a restricted free agent next season. But as of now, there have been no talks of the matter, although these negotiations had started in July.

There’s no doubt that Jonathan Kuminga has improved since he was selected as the No. 7 pick in 2021. He’s coming off a year where he practically averaged career highs under quite a few categories – 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 52.9% from the field and 74.6% from the charity stripe.

But it seems like the contract extension isn’t a deterrent for Kuminga to give his best on the court. Talking to Whitley Sandretto of 95.7 The Game in the training camp at Hawaii, JK said, “My approach is to be great. That’s always the main focus.” But that wasn’t all. Similar to what he said above about his development, Kuminga is planning to just enjoy the game without stressing too much.

“Just having fun, being a sponge, being someone they can rely on at certain times…I’m not forcing anything, not trying to be who I’m not. I’m just sticking to what I know how to do. That’s pretty much my approach,” he revealed.

Well, the Dubs have a big decision to make. And Jonathan’s improving performance can definitely fasten the decision-making.