A lot of the narrative surrounding Jonathan Kuminga's name early in his career so far is that he is a player who only plays for individual stats and contracts, and that he isn't one who is willing to sacrifice to win games.
However, after signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason, he seems eager to shed that narrative about his game and prove that he is the type of player who can impact winning in a number of different ways.
Kuminga had this to say at Wolves media day, when asked if he felt like he had anything to prove:
"I don't really have much to prove. I just gotta go out there and win games, somehow. If it's playing defense, if it's not taking a shot, being the one running the floor for other people so they can get an easy basket, just being around and seeing what winning takes, it's the small things that really matter."
So far, Kuminga has shown a lot of maturity with the Wolves
Obviously, words aren't nearly as important as actions are. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see where Kuminga's priorities are as he embarks on his first year in Minnesota. It seems like he's all about putting the team first and doing whatever it takes to stack wins, and that is the exact kind of player the Wolves need starting at power forward.
The old Kuminga may have wanted to take 13 shots a game and be guaranteed a top spot in the offensive pecking order. Thankfully, it looks like Kuminga has come to realize that isn't how he's going to earn a lucrative NBA contract.
If Kuminga's actions line up with the things he's said during this offseason, then the Wolves would be smart to sign him long-term next season.
A mature Kuminga is a perfect long-term fit with this roster
As far as long-term staples go, the Wolves, pretty comfortably, have Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, and Joan Beringer. The verdict is still out on Isaiah Evans and Terrence Shannon Jr. While I would throw Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo in there, both players are on the older side.
A good year for Kuminga can vault him into that same category. Right now, he's betting on himself with this one-plus-one deal, giving himself control of his situation next offseason, and a successful season could give him a lot of stability and security in Minnesota.
An athletic and extremely versatile three-four hybrid is a rarity in the NBA, and Kuminga has all of the tools to become that. On paper, his chemistry with Ball should be seamless, as both thrive in transition.
If Kuminga can back up what he's saying, he should undoubtedly be in the Wolves' long-term plans, which should benefit both parties greatly.
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