The Golden State Warriors saw their hopes of winning another NBA Championship go up in flames when Stephen Curry was injured in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the Warriors did take Game 1, fans likely were aware that winning a playoff series without Curry was slim to none.
There was optimism that Curry could have returned if the Warriors had managed to stretch the series to at least six games, but the Timberwolves took the next four games to complete the gentleman’s sweep.
Warriors predicted to make massive Jonathan Kuminga decision
It had been an up-and-down season for the Warriors. They started the season as one of the hottest teams, but also were as low as the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference before trading for Jimmy Butler and turning their season around.
As a result, Jonathan Kuminga‘s role was even further diminished until Kerr called upon him after the injury to Curry. Over the final three games of the series, Kuminga averaged 26.3 points per game and significantly boosted his stock around the league. He heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent and the Warriors will likely tender a $7.9 million qualifying offer.
While Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr have clashed at times, Kuminga showed the potential and skill he still possesses, despite being benched down the stretch.
Letting Kuminga walk for nothing is something that the Warriors can’t afford to allow. He would be the best option for the Warriors to acquire another piece via a sign-and-trade with another team.
