Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga addresses the affect from this past offseason's drama
The Golden State Warriors have experienced their fair share of ups and downs this season, largely due to injuries and the numerous back-to-back games they've played early in the year. There was a lot of uncertainty when Steph Curry went down due to injury, but the team has rallied in the past two games with wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.
Heading into the year, the player with perhaps the biggest spotlight was Jonathan Kuminga, who had a drama-filled offseason as he worked with the Warriors' front office to find a solution to his future. That ended up being a return to Golden State on a two-year deal, and Kuminga was recently asked about if anything from this summer still lingers with him.
Jonathan Kuminga Addresses Drama-Filled Offseason
Speaking to reporters, Kuminga gave an answer fans were happy to hear from the young forward, who has struggled to see consistency in his role after suffering an injury early this season.
"I keep everything that happened in the summer in the past. I can't focus on everything at the same time. Take me off track. So whatever that happened in the summer, I don't control that, you know, it happened for a reason. But, it's the past," Kuminga said.
Kuminga went on to add that his focus is on going out there and impacting the team to help them win.
In Kuminga's first 12 games as a starter before going down with injury, he was averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field. However, it's been a steep drop-off since his return, averaging just 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 30.0% shooting from the field in four games.
What Could Be Next For Kuminga?
Based on how he opened the first 12 games of the season, it appeared as though Kuminga finally had an established role with the Warriors and that he could be a part of this team long-term. Unfortunately, given how Kuminga has looked since the injury, it seems now more than ever that a separation makes sense for both sides.
Currently making $22.5 million this season, the Warriors can either target someone in his price range or add contracts with players like Buddy Hield to go after a bigger-name player. If Giannis Antetokounmpo does become available, the Warriors would most certainly offer Kuminga, along with other young players and draft picks.
After a long and rumor-filled offseason, Kuminga could be ready now for a change of scenery.