In Jonathan Kuminga's eight games as a starter this season, he is averaging just over 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. It has been a perfect storm for JK, with Draymond Green sidelined indefinitely and Andrew Wiggins playing far below his seemingly fleeting peak as the number-two option on a championship roster. Kuminga's unique ability to be a highly explosive drive threat paired with streaky yet effective POA defense has painted the 3rd-year Warriors draft pick as the coveted "two-way wing" archetype -- an archetype that is extremely valuable due to its plug-and-play nature. Just as it is in Kuminga's case, if you have length, athleticism, and the ability to guard one of the other team's two best players, 20-plus minutes per night will all but fall in your lap in today's NBA.

JK's drastically improved ability to handle while in traffic is a significant area of improvement in the 21 year old's game, and it's been on full display in his recent starting stints. The most interesting aspect is that the technical approach of his drives through the paint is nearly identical to what it was last year. The part that's changed is his confidence. He even said it himself:

"I'ma keep it real with you. Me with the ball, nobody's guarding me". (via The Athletic's Marcus Thompson)

Half-Second Basketball is a concept widely harped on by NBA coaches, often towards younger players. It's just as simple as it sounds; When a player finds themselves with the ball, they should both make a decision on their next move as well as put that decision in motion within 0.5 seconds. Kuminga has generally struggled with this over his first two seasons, which has consequently translated to rough stretches of sporadic playing time and even occasional DNP's (albeit unwarranted and an abhorrent miscalculation by Kerr -- we'll save this for another article). But now, Kuminga is puffing out his chest and taking the ball to the basket with clear intentions and a chip on his shoulder -- and he's doing so without hesitation. His ability to overpower and drive past or through his defender is becoming stronger each and every game. As such, it now seems inevitable that Kuminga's drives will more often than not result in a pair of points or free throws.

Above: Jonathan Kuminga takes no prisoners.

As JK continues to approach each game with unapologetic confidence, his positive impact on both sides of the the court will force Steve Kerr into some difficult line-up decisions. To add to the roster chaos, Green's return along with Gary Payton II's recovery are eminent, and both players play similar roles to Kuminga. The '23-'24 Warriors are currently too deep, lacking any top-heavy super stars outside of Stephen Curry. If I would have told you the Warriors are struggling to find minutes for elite-level bench and role players (read: Moses Moody & Trayce Jackson-Davis) during the Anthony Lamb era, would you have believed me? Don't worry, I would have called you a fat liar too.

Watch for Kuminga and the Dubs to take on Jimmy Buckets and the Miami Heat this Thursday evening as the squad begins a seven game-homestand. If the last 6 games have foreshadowed anything, the Warriors could be gearing up for a season-changing run.