Jonathan Kuminga

Draft Notes

Jonathan Kuminga got off to a fast start in his G League career but then hit a bit of a wall and had some inconsistent play down the stretch. He finished the season with averages of 15.8pts, 7.2rbs and 2.7asts on less than stellar shooting slips of 39/25/63. He also averaged 2.6 turnovers per game while showing some of the inexperience and lack of polish we expected. He shows flashes of big time ability and has all the tools that scouts look for but his game is a still young and he has plenty of areas of improvement to work on.

He’s far from a finished product but the upside is tantalizing. His draft stock mostly comes down to whether or not you buy his outside shot and overall offensive development. He’s been mentioned all season as a lock for the top 5 but with so much talent at the top of this draft it’s possible he slides down a few spots.

Strengths

Kuminga is the type of athlete that only comes a long every few years. He’s absolutely explosive off the floor and makes the rim look like a play-thing. He’s got a rock solid frame with elite quick-twitch athleticism.

His skill level is fairly advanced as well (but not yet polished), showing flashes of a really nice shot making and open court ball handling ability. At 6-7 and with that athleticism it’s really hard to guard him on the perimeter or block his shot. You have to respect his blow-by ability and so he’s able to find room to get his mid range or 3pt shot.

As his skill level develops and catches up to his athleticism, watch out! Kuminga could be a household name in a few years. He’s got the type of raw athleticism and strength that sets him apart from other prospects and is reminiscent of past high draft pick Shawn Marion but with more natural strength than Marion.

Kuminga is at his best when he puts his head down and goes to the basket, blowing by or overpowering defenders. At this point he’s more of a straight-line driver and isn’t the most creative ball-handler but considering his age he’s well on his way to developing his wing skills.

He’s also got a nice touch around the basket and can score in the post where he uses his elite athleticism to overpower defenders.

Weaknesses

• Isn’t yet a consistent 3pt shooter
• Has to develop his feel for the game and making his teammates better
• Needs to develop his ball handling and get more creative with his drives, since he won’t be able to overpower NBA defenders as much.
• Isn’t a great FT shooter.

Comparisons

• Shawn Marion with more bulk
• bigger Jaylen Brown
• Dominique Wilkins

Draft Projection

top 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft

2021 Small Forwards

1. Scottie Barnes – 6-9 – Florida State
2. Jonathan Kuminga – 6-7 – G League (Congo)
3. Jalen Johnson – 6-9 – Duke
4. Franz Wagner – 6-9 – Michigan (Germany)
5. Corey Kispert – 6-7 – Gonzaga
6. Trey Murphy III – 6-9 – Virginia
7. Vrenz Bleijenbergh – 6-10 – Belgium
8. Ziaire Williams – 6-9 – Stanford
9. Aaron Henry – 6-6 – Michigan State
10. Herb Jones – 6-8 – Alabama
11. Isaiah Livers – 6-7 – Michigan
12. Kessler Edwards – 6-8 – Pepperdine
13. Chris Smith – 6-9 – UCLA
14. Eugene Omoruyi – 6-6 – Oregon
15. Sam Hauser – 6-8 – Virginia
16. Trendon Watford – 6-8 – LSU
17. Derrick Alston Jr. – 6-9 – Boise State
18. Alex Antetokounmpo – 6-7 – USA  
19. Emmitt Mathews Jr. – 6-7 – West Virginia