The Golden State Warriors picked up a dominant victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night by a score of 131-115, and the franchise's young core led the way.
Jonathan Kuminga continued to boast a bought-in and patient mindset for the Warriors against Memphis, as he poured in an efficient 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists and one blocked shot on 64.3% shooting from the floor to power his team to a 3-1 record and support their aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
Golden State's 23-year-old forward has appeared to level up his output with each passing game to begin the new year, and it's plausible to believe that his restructured approach and rapid development could warrant an All-Star selection in the very near future.
If anything, his wonderful stretch to open a pivotal season has thoroughly impressed his legendary head coach, Steve Kerr, who had heaped endless praise onto the skilled 6-foot-8 wing following the victory over the Grizzlies.
"JK has been fantastic…the way he's rebounding, the way he's attacking the rim, we feel like that's what makes him special with his athleticism," The San Francisco Standard's Danny Emerman shared via X/Twitter early Tuesday morning.
"His force. When he's playing to that talent, that ability, it changes our team and it changes his game."
"He's been great."
Through his first four games of his fifth NBA season, Kuminga has increased his box score figures to 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 0.8 steals while boasting an absurd 69.5% true shooting percentage.
While an 18.0-point average may not scream 'All-Star' while 39 other players are currently averaging 20-plus points to start the season, the possibility of the Warriors further leaning on their young star to keep their experienced core in the fight for a title cannot be discounted.
Kuminga's evident growth may lead to him organically earning even more touches and opportunities to insert himself into scoring plays on a regular basis, increasing the potential likelihood of a first-time All-Star selection if his efficiency remains at a high level.
More NBA: Why Seth Curry still isn't playing for Warriors after signing to play with brother Steph