One of the biggest concerns about Jonathan Kuminga's fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves is his lack of shooting. We saw how the shaky shooting frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle caused problems for the Wolves during the past two seasons. Coincidentally, Kuminga and Randle are both 33.2 percent 3-point shooters. As physical athletes with an affinity for taking difficult shots who struggle as spot-up shooters, the similarities between Kuminga and Randle are undeniable.
Without a doubt, though, the Timberwolves' lack of playmaking compounded these spacing issues. Now that LaMelo Ball is leading the show, this familiar concern will be less problematic than in the past two seasons. Ball generates open 3-pointers for teammates with his incredible vision and ability to command attention from a defense. He has statistically elevated the 3-point percentage of several teammates.
Last season, Kon Knueppel shot 8.2 percent better from 3-point range when sharing the court with Ball. Furthermore, Miles Bridges (who Kuminga shares some playstyle similarities with) shot 7.9 percent better from deep range when playing alongside LaMelo.
As such, it's a reasonable proposition to suggest that he can do the same for Kuminga. It's not a guarantee, though, and if Ball can't help transform Kuminga's shooting, that would create problems for the Wolves.
LaMelo Ball is a gifted playmaker, but can he help Jonathan Kuminga improve as a shooter?
Kuminga hasn't shot over 35 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in the past three seasons. While it's fair to be critical about his fit as a playmaker in the Golden State Warriors system, he's always had positive spacing, and playing alongside Stephen Curry gave him some easier looks.
Hence why I say it's not a guarantee that LaMelo will magically make Kuminga into a solid spot-up shooter, even if Ball is the best pure playmaker Kuminga has ever played with.
If Kuminga can't become a respectable spot-up shooter, teams will be able to pack the paint when LaMelo and Anthony Edwards drive. Now, Ball's playmaking and secondary creation will keep things from getting as bad as last year. Plus, Ball's lob passing acumen can unlock easier opportunities for Kuminga around the rim.
Still, if Kuminga is someone opposing defenses feel they can disrespect, this will prevent the Wolves from reaching their lofty offensive ceiling. In a conference with two juggernauts, this flaw could be enough to stop the Wolves from leveling up.
The Wolves lack quality forward depth, and, in turn, they will have to play Kuminga 20-plus minutes most nights. Unfortunately, if he can't improve as a shooter, the Wolves will have spacing woes for every moment he's on the court, since both Gobert and Joan Beringer are total non-spacers.
Another factor is that shooting should be their major advantage with LaMelo and Ant. As established, though, it won't matter as much if Kuminga doesn't knock down his open 3s.
From a positive standpoint, there's a genuine chance that LaMelo can transform Kuminga into a viable spot-up threat. At the end of the day, he's an elite playmaker. In this event, the Timberwolves' offense could be an unstoppable force.
Regardless, Ball's ability to help Kuminga improve as a shooter is a clear swing factor for the Timberwolves' offense.
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