via Getty
Jan 21 2009: Kobe Bryant during the 108-97 Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Darryl Dennis/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images)
via Getty
Jan 21 2009: Kobe Bryant during the 108-97 Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Darryl Dennis/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have acquired a promising #7 NBA draft pick, Jonathan Kuminga. After an early exit from the 2020-21 season, the Warriors have found new talent in Jonathan who aspires to join the NBA elites like Kobe Bryant.
The 18-YO forward from Congo, Jonathan Kuminga is the newest addition to the Warriors roster. Kuminga was previously playing in the G league Ignite, averaging 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. A 6-ft-8-inch and 210-pound sturdy frame is mostly seen driving in the paint. His athleticism is the talking point since Golden State brought him into the picture.
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Jonathan Kuminga (G League Ignite) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Kobe Bryant is a famous face in Africa, says Jonathan Kuminga
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Whether it be any NBA veteran or a newbie of the league, Kobe Bryant is the constant inspiration for everybody. Warriors’ new pick Jonathan Kuminga is another fan in line. Talking about his first-ever favorite basketball, player, Kuminga suggested, “only Kobe”. “Basically growing up in Africa, he [Kobe] was a legend… He was loved by everybody, he was the biggest player in Africa. Wherever you go out there, you’re gonna see him, see his posters.”
Kuminga has previously talked about how he wants to be regarded the same as NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. While he has a long way to go, GSW is a great first stop for the youngster. His primary strengths lie in a wide range of defensive positions, however, his shooting ability needs some polishing from here on.
🔊 Growing up in the Congo, @warriors #7 overall pick @JonathanKuming6 watched Kobe Bryant play whenever he had the chance to! #AskNBADraftees https://t.co/HQpiYNfkQn pic.twitter.com/RJmGiHFXQV
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2021
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2021-22 season plans for Warriors seem promising
Warriors superstar Steph Curry will surely be there to guide him through his low points. Moreover, the former championship franchise is also building its roster comprehensively. Draymond Green is heading the defense department, whereas the Splash Brothers will be looking to get back on track for next season.
USA Today via Reuters
May 11, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors finished ninth in the 2020-21 season. They eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Play-in tournament that led to their exit from the season, missing the playoff opportunity up-close. However, Steve Kerr and co. await their star player Klay Thompson to make a return next year. We’re yet to see if GSW can gain its reputation back as a title team.
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