Jonathan Kuminga...Beast or Bust?

[crows2]

If I told everyone that he is two to three years older than listed, how does it change your feelings

Here's a pic from 2018. Does he really look 18.5 years old there?

[crows2]

As far as taking him at pick 5, I think it's nearly a no-brainer. Basketball-wise he's absolutely a top 5 prospect in this year's draft. My only question mark on him is his personality/mentality. I seem to remember reading some negative things about him (probably on here) last year, but haven't heard much else. The only thing that'd make me question him at 5 is if any major red-flags surface during interviews.

[Big J]

As far as taking him at pick 5, I think it's nearly a no-brainer. Basketball-wise he's absolutely a top 5 prospect in this year's draft. My only question mark on him is his personality/mentality. I seem to remember reading some negative things about him (probably on here) last year, but haven't heard much else. The only thing that'd make me question him at 5 is if any major red-flags surface during interviews.

Guys are coached up to fake it or tank in interviews. Look at Lamelo Ball tanking his Min & GS interviews last year. I wouldn't take much from the interviews TBH.

[crows2]

As far as taking him at pick 5, I think it's nearly a no-brainer. Basketball-wise he's absolutely a top 5 prospect in this year's draft. My only question mark on him is his personality/mentality. I seem to remember reading some negative things about him (probably on here) last year, but haven't heard much else. The only thing that'd make me question him at 5 is if any major red-flags surface during interviews.

Guys are coached up to fake it or tank in interviews. Look at Lamelo Ball tanking his Min & GS interviews last year. I wouldn't take much from the interviews TBH.

Definitely, but I think the better-run teams have methods to see through that. I was also more broadly referring to references and background checks.

[clyde21]

not really sure wtf even happened between now and the g league games for people to sour on Kuminga, some really weird takes in this thread...he's young (and unless u have proof that he's not stfu) and plays THE premium position in the NBA with a strong baseline of talent/skill...he has more of a chance to move up the draft than drop.

[Old Man Game]

He's not getting past pick six at worst. Presti loves guys that had tons of early recruiting hype. Hope he learns how to actually play basketball.

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[Big J]

not really sure wtf even happened between now and the g league games for people to sour on Kuminga, some really weird takes in this thread...he's young (and unless u have proof that he's not stfu) and plays THE premium position in the NBA with a strong baseline of talent/skill...he has more of a chance to move up the draft than drop.

A lot of red flags are coming out about his work ethic and attitude. Jarrett Jack can't stop gushing about Green, yet his relative silence on Kuminga is pretty damning. To me he projects as a more athletic Royce White without the fear of flying, but with the work ethic issues.

[GSWFan1994]

not really sure wtf even happened between now and the g league games for people to sour on Kuminga, some really weird takes in this thread...he's young (and unless u have proof that he's not stfu) and plays THE premium position in the NBA with a strong baseline of talent/skill...he has more of a chance to move up the draft than drop.

Seems like it's the narrative going on, Clyde. Nothing specific per se, just the way things are leading to.

Plus, as more and more up-close, personal info is being set on these prospects at the very top, other players are getting very favorable reviews, mainly from the analytics crowd.

Check how Barnes & Sengun are being very well-regarded lately.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Kuminga's potential, I'm just playing the role of devil's advocate here.

[GSWFan1994]

He's not getting past pick six at worst. Presti loves guys that had tons of early recruiting hype. Hope he learns how to actually play basketball.

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I'm thinking Barnes or Sengun have a signature "Presti pick" feeling. He likes to throw curveballs in the draft, all over the years.

[Revenged25]

What's the highest you'd take him?

Probably 3. He's my boy and I like his ceiling as much as anyones except for Green. But he is the biggest project out of the group. Even if a team likes him as much as I do, it would be pointless to take him any higher than 3 (4th probably). If I was sitting at 1 or 2, Id trade down to take him. I think its a pretty safe bet he will be sitting there at 5.

I have little doubt he'll be available at 5. MAYBE Cleveland bites and takes him 3rd. I just have a hard time thinking about drafting such a raw prospect top 4. When essentially you're going to have to teach him to play basketball at this level. Kuminga looks like the typical all tools prospect people fall in love with, but with little substance and numbers to back it up.

One could argue he's this years
2020 - Wiseman/Okoro
2019 - Culver (looked good in NCAA)
2018 - Knox

The list goes on. Mind you I like him much better than all of the above due to age and his first few ignite games looking promising. But the way he moved with the ball and off ball, compared to Green was a stark contrast agility wise. You say his ceiling is Brown, but at times I see OG or Pascal.

Okoro wasn't bad for the Cavs and played well in the role he was asked to play. Granted his offensive game is still a work in progress but his defense looks to be legit.

[Revenged25]

If I told everyone that he is two to three years older than listed, how does it change your feelings

Here's a pic from 2018. Does he really look 18.5 years old there?

Have you ever seen pictures of Greg Oden? The dude looked 40 when he was 16.

[clyde21]

If I told everyone that he is two to three years older than listed, how does it change your feelings

Here's a pic from 2018. Does he really look 18.5 years old there?

Have you ever seen pictures of Greg Oden? The dude looked 40 when he was 16.

he's saying back in 2018, when Kuminga was 15 in that picture, if he was really 3 years older than his stated age he would look 18 yrs old in that pic

[Revenged25]

Here's a pic from 2018. Does he really look 18.5 years old there?

Have you ever seen pictures of Greg Oden? The dude looked 40 when he was 16.

he's saying back in 2018, when Kuminga was 15 in that picture, if he was really 3 years older than his stated age he would look 18 yrs old in that pic

Ahhh I was reading it backwards.

[Duke4life831]

What's the highest you'd take him?

Probably 3. He's my boy and I like his ceiling as much as anyones except for Green. But he is the biggest project out of the group. Even if a team likes him as much as I do, it would be pointless to take him any higher than 3 (4th probably). If I was sitting at 1 or 2, Id trade down to take him. I think its a pretty safe bet he will be sitting there at 5.

I have little doubt he'll be available at 5. MAYBE Cleveland bites and takes him 3rd. I just have a hard time thinking about drafting such a raw prospect top 4. When essentially you're going to have to teach him to play basketball at this level. Kuminga looks like the typical all tools prospect people fall in love with, but with little substance and numbers to back it up.

One could argue he's this years
2020 - Wiseman/Okoro
2019 - Culver (looked good in NCAA)
2018 - Knox

The list goes on. Mind you I like him much better than all of the above due to age and his first few ignite games looking promising. But the way he moved with the ball and off ball, compared to Green was a stark contrast agility wise. You say his ceiling is Brown, but at times I see OG or Pascal.

I think Kuminga has the physical edge over all of those guys. Culver isn't the same kind of athlete or has the size that Kuminga has. Kuminga has legit size for the 4 while Okoro is a generous 6'6 in my opinion. Knox was also never a standout athlete and just overall I dont think he is in the same tier as Kuminga when talking about just raw potential. While with Wiseman, I dont think his athleticism is all that functional and he plays the 5 without having a great skill set for the 5 in today's game.

And ya Kuminga's athleticism is going to look subpar compared to Green, but that is because Green is a legit 2 guard while Kuminga will be a 3/4 and practically the vast majority of the NBA is going to look subpar athletically when compared to Green. The dude is a flat out freak in that department.

Then when it comes to guys like OG or Pascal, OG had practically 0 on ball ability at this age and Siakam also drastically lacked any perimeter skill set.

I dont think his ceiling is Brown, I think his ceiling is higher than Brown. I just used Brown as an example of the kind of progression arc I can see Kuminga having. I can see him taking a year to adjust to the league and not having a great rookie year (like Brown). Then I think his defense will come first with some flashes of his offense, then I think his jumper will begin to get consistent and his offense will come around.

Again the reason Im high on Kuminga is the foundation that he is working with. His form on his jumper is clean and pretty damn consistent. I dont think he will have an issue becoming a solid shooter. And ya he isn't a dynamic on ball creator but his handle is solid for a guy his size and his age. When looking at his potential, I can see his jumper coming around and with his size and athleticism, I think he will add more to his game to fill it out.

I think he is the biggest project out of the top 5 guys and that is why I think he goes 4 or 5 and not higher. But when talking about celling, I like his as much as anyone in this draft (except for Green). A big 6'8 athletic wing with 2 way potential is pretty much as valuable as a player can be in today's NBA.

[Big J]

Probably 3. He's my boy and I like his ceiling as much as anyones except for Green. But he is the biggest project out of the group. Even if a team likes him as much as I do, it would be pointless to take him any higher than 3 (4th probably). If I was sitting at 1 or 2, Id trade down to take him. I think its a pretty safe bet he will be sitting there at 5.

I have little doubt he'll be available at 5. MAYBE Cleveland bites and takes him 3rd. I just have a hard time thinking about drafting such a raw prospect top 4. When essentially you're going to have to teach him to play basketball at this level. Kuminga looks like the typical all tools prospect people fall in love with, but with little substance and numbers to back it up.

One could argue he's this years
2020 - Wiseman/Okoro
2019 - Culver (looked good in NCAA)
2018 - Knox

The list goes on. Mind you I like him much better than all of the above due to age and his first few ignite games looking promising. But the way he moved with the ball and off ball, compared to Green was a stark contrast agility wise. You say his ceiling is Brown, but at times I see OG or Pascal.

I think Kuminga has the physical edge over all of those guys. Culver isn't the same kind of athlete or has the size that Kuminga has. Kuminga has legit size for the 4 while Okoro is a generous 6'6 in my opinion. Knox was also never a standout athlete and just overall I dont think he is in the same tier as Kuminga when talking about just raw potential. While with Wiseman, I dont think his athleticism is all that functional and he plays the 5 without having a great skill set for the 5 in today's game.

And ya Kuminga's athleticism is going to look subpar compared to Green, but that is because Green is a legit 2 guard while Kuminga will be a 3/4 and practically the vast majority of the NBA is going to look subpar athletically when compared to Green. The dude is a flat out freak in that department.

Then when it comes to guys like OG or Pascal, OG had practically 0 on ball ability at this age and Siakam also drastically lacked any perimeter skill set.

I dont think his ceiling is Brown, I think his ceiling is higher than Brown. I just used Brown as an example of the kind of progression arc I can see Kuminga having. I can see him taking a year to adjust to the league and not having a great rookie year (like Brown). Then I think his defense will come first with some flashes of his offense, then I think his jumper will begin to get consistent and his offense will come around.

Again the reason Im high on Kuminga is the foundation that he is working with. His form on his jumper is clean and pretty damn consistent. I dont think he will have an issue becoming a solid shooter. And ya he isn't a dynamic on ball creator but his handle is solid for a guy his size and his age. When looking at his potential, I can see his jumper coming around and with his size and athleticism, I think he will add more to his game to fill it out.

I think he is the biggest project out of the top 5 guys and that is why I think he goes 4 or 5 and not higher. But when talking about celling, I like his as much as anyone in this draft (except for Green). A big 6'8 athletic wing with 2 way potential is pretty much as valuable as a player can be in today's NBA.

If Kuminga is going to follow Browns development arc you have to assume that he has the same work ethic as Brown, which. is. assuming. a. lot. Jalen Brown is one of the most intelligent well spoken young men in the league. It’s obvious that he gets it and is knows that it takes hard work to achieve success. I’m not getting those vibes based on what I’ve heard about Kuminga.

[Upperclass]

Presti wont take a player with the profile of a Kuminga imo. He would go Suggs, Davion or Bouknight -- Barnes as well but imo he wont be avail, going to ORL)

[clyde21]

lol @ Davion 6th overall

[Big J]

Presti wont take a player with the profile of a Kuminga imo. He would go Suggs, Davion or Bouknight -- Barnes as well but imo he wont be avail, going to ORL)

Why wouldn't he? Presti has entrenched himself into a long rebuild, so shouldn't he be taking big swings on these project guys?

[ThunderBolt]

Presti wont take a player with the profile of a Kuminga imo. He would go Suggs, Davion or Bouknight -- Barnes as well but imo he wont be avail, going to ORL)

I don’t think there is any player profile that Presti hasn’t drafted.

[Duke4life831]

I have little doubt he'll be available at 5. MAYBE Cleveland bites and takes him 3rd. I just have a hard time thinking about drafting such a raw prospect top 4. When essentially you're going to have to teach him to play basketball at this level. Kuminga looks like the typical all tools prospect people fall in love with, but with little substance and numbers to back it up.

One could argue he's this years
2020 - Wiseman/Okoro
2019 - Culver (looked good in NCAA)
2018 - Knox

The list goes on. Mind you I like him much better than all of the above due to age and his first few ignite games looking promising. But the way he moved with the ball and off ball, compared to Green was a stark contrast agility wise. You say his ceiling is Brown, but at times I see OG or Pascal.

I think Kuminga has the physical edge over all of those guys. Culver isn't the same kind of athlete or has the size that Kuminga has. Kuminga has legit size for the 4 while Okoro is a generous 6'6 in my opinion. Knox was also never a standout athlete and just overall I dont think he is in the same tier as Kuminga when talking about just raw potential. While with Wiseman, I dont think his athleticism is all that functional and he plays the 5 without having a great skill set for the 5 in today's game.

And ya Kuminga's athleticism is going to look subpar compared to Green, but that is because Green is a legit 2 guard while Kuminga will be a 3/4 and practically the vast majority of the NBA is going to look subpar athletically when compared to Green. The dude is a flat out freak in that department.

Then when it comes to guys like OG or Pascal, OG had practically 0 on ball ability at this age and Siakam also drastically lacked any perimeter skill set.

I dont think his ceiling is Brown, I think his ceiling is higher than Brown. I just used Brown as an example of the kind of progression arc I can see Kuminga having. I can see him taking a year to adjust to the league and not having a great rookie year (like Brown). Then I think his defense will come first with some flashes of his offense, then I think his jumper will begin to get consistent and his offense will come around.

Again the reason Im high on Kuminga is the foundation that he is working with. His form on his jumper is clean and pretty damn consistent. I dont think he will have an issue becoming a solid shooter. And ya he isn't a dynamic on ball creator but his handle is solid for a guy his size and his age. When looking at his potential, I can see his jumper coming around and with his size and athleticism, I think he will add more to his game to fill it out.

I think he is the biggest project out of the top 5 guys and that is why I think he goes 4 or 5 and not higher. But when talking about celling, I like his as much as anyone in this draft (except for Green). A big 6'8 athletic wing with 2 way potential is pretty much as valuable as a player can be in today's NBA.

If Kuminga is going to follow Browns development arc you have to assume that he has the same work ethic as Brown, which. is. assuming. a. lot. Jalen Brown is one of the most intelligent well spoken young men in the league. It’s obvious that he gets it and is knows that it takes hard work to achieve success. I’m not getting those vibes based on what I’ve heard about Kuminga.

I’ve seen no reason to question Kuminga’s work ethic. If anything people tend to praise his work ethic. Whenever there were big time camps or anything like that, you’d tend to see reports of Kuminga standing out in practice.

When it comes to articulation, of course Brown will be far more articulate than Kuminga. Kuminga has only been in the country for 5 years now. And English isn’t his first language. Plus he is just a quiet guy.

Plus you don’t have to have an outgoing and articulate personality to be someone that has a great work ethic and have good progression in a sport. Also I don’t think Jaylen’s progression is all that crazy, he was taken 3rd overall for a reason.