Jonathan Kuminga, a key player for the Golden State Warriors, recently shed light on the invaluable support he received from Draymond Green during Green’s indefinite suspension. Kuminga stepped up to fill Green’s shoes in the starting lineup after Green was suspended for striking Jusuf Nurkic, the Phoenix Suns center, in the face during a game on December 13th.
Throughout Green’s suspension, he maintained regular communication with Kuminga, providing him with comprehensive feedback on his performances through detailed messages comprising notes, video clips, and voice memos. Meanwhile, Green, spending his time in Los Angeles, engaged in counseling sessions and virtual meetings to fulfill the requirements for his reinstatement. He also dedicated himself to film study, aiming to enhance his self-awareness and knowledge, which he then shared with Kuminga.
In addition to his interactions with Kuminga, Green stayed connected with his teammates Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, as well as Warriors coach Steve Kerr. He even received daily texts from his former college coach, Tom Izzo. Kuminga expressed his eagerness to absorb all the wisdom Green had to offer, emphasizing that Green’s guidance was reserved for those who demonstrated a high level of competitiveness.
Green’s suspension for the incident involving Nurkic marked his second suspension of the season, following a prior suspension for a chokehold incident with Rudy Gobert, the center for the Minnesota Timberwolves. During Green’s 16-game absence, Kuminga seized the opportunity to showcase his talent, impressively averaging 18.4 points per game and solidifying his position in the starting lineup.
The Warriors faced defensive challenges during Green’s suspension, ranking 28th in the league. Despite a brief winning streak, the team encountered difficulties, losing seven out of their next 10 games. However, upon Green’s return on January 15th, coach Kerr made the decision to start both Green and Kuminga together, aiming to bolster the team’s overall performance.
The partnership between Green and Kuminga has played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ success, contributing to a remarkable 17-8 record when both players start. Kuminga, in particular, has thrived, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 73% on passes directly from Green, which ranks among the highest in the league for teammate connections.
The invaluable discussions and unwavering support exchanged between Green and Kuminga have greatly benefited the team, especially as they gear up for the upcoming postseason. They will heavily rely on Green’s wealth of experience as a future Hall of Famer, combined with the contributions of the talented young forward, Kuminga, as they embark on their journey, with the Western Conference play-in tournament likely marking the start of their playoff campaign.