Steve Kerr admitted that the Golden State Warriors are “not the most athletic team” but he thinks the hard work of a particular up-and-coming star could change that.
Speaking to the press following the Warriors’ preseason win over the Sacramento Kings, Kerr touched upon what Jonathan Kuminga can bring to the team.
He said that Kuminga’s athleticism will certainly improve the team’s physicality.
But he also said that Kuminga’s insistence on being aggressive, especially in the paint, will lead to him reaching the free throw line more often.
Kerr hopes Kuminga's athleticism allows the Warriors to get to the line more this season pic.twitter.com/zZ6xWQWW1m
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 16, 2023
Kerr suggested that the Warriors getting free throws could really make a huge difference.
Not only does it gift the team “free points” as he put it, but it also gives them time to set up their defense too.
For a very tight game, free throws could make or break the team’s chances.
And Kuminga’s size and explosiveness are a great way to get those free throws.
While Kerr is definitely right about that, there is a problem: Kuminga hasn’t been the best free-throw shooter in the past.
Last season, he sank 65.2% of his shots from the line, down slightly from his rookie year when he scored 68.4% of his free throws.
If the team is really going to take advantage of Kuminga, he will have to improve that part of his game.
But there is every reason to believe he can do that.
During his first three preseason games, Kuminga has looked like a whole new man and a player with much more experience and a higher basketball IQ.
It seems like every part of Kuminga has improved since last season, so there is a chance he’ll be much better from the free throw line.
NEXT: Stats Show Jonathan Kuminga Has Reached A New Level This Preseason
