Cuminga is the No. 7 rookie this year, but he doesn't get the general treatment of a rookie with a high pick on the Warriors. However, Cumminga is very much in favor of the Warriors' way of cultivating him. This season, Cumminga has played 28 games for the Warriors, averaging just 9.2 minutes per game. The 19-year-old forward was once sent by the Warriors to play for the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Since the Warriors are the NBA's championship-winning team, Cumminga knows he has to win playing time on his own, rather than being the team's absolute workhorse once he enters the NBA, as other rookies with high picks. But Cumminga believes the Warriors are his best place to grow into an NBA player, even if it means very little initial playing time.
"For me, it's the best-case scenario," Cumminga said in an interview. "Even if I don't play, I'll learn something."
"Whenever I make a mistake, I have dreams, there is a brother and Stephen, each of them has a lot more experience than me, they will come to me and teach me how to do it, teach me how to get better." 」 If I go to a weak team, I can make all kinds of wave shots, but that won't really help me. “
Before Klay returned, the Warriors already had three Hall of Fame-level players in the Lineup. Playing next to these players, how fast can Cumminga's progress be imagined? In fact, every time Cumminga makes a appearance, he will surprise the fans. He used his talent and performance to tell fans why the Warriors chose him with the 7th pick! Cumminga's pace of improvement has been impressive, and it wouldn't be surprising if the 19-year-old could play a big role in the playoffs.
Head coach Kerr also believes Cumminga is the talent they need. "I think the cultivation of Cuminga is going according to plan," Kohl said of Cuminga on Thursday. "He's working hard every day, putting in the work, learning what he's going to do as an NBA player — that means going into the training room, getting on the court, watching game footage, watching videos of your opponents, doing that thing day in and day out, and bringing in the energy necessary to do it all."
"It's not easy, especially for 19-year-olds. So, they're learning, they're doing well, and they're improving. ”