SAN FRANCISCO – No big deal.
That was how Jonathan Kuminga, speaking to media after shootaround on Wednesday morning, described his apparent newfound proclivity for passing in the preseason.
In a monotone voice, the fifth-year forward known for shotmaking more than shot creation, gave a matter-of-fact description of how he dished out four assists in the team’s preseason opener on Sunday
“I was just letting the game come to me,” Kuminga said. “I feel like if one of them, or Steph (Curry), was open, for me it was just about finding the open person. I felt good doing it, because I was letting the game come to me.”
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points per game last season, but averaged only 2.2 assists per game and often frustrated coaches and fans by deciding to take wild shots in traffic instead of making the correct pass to an open shooter.
After signing a new two-year, $46.5 million deal, Kuminga changed both his number – now No. 1 – and brought a learning mentality to training camp.
The 23-year-old expressed a fondness for newcomer Al Horford, who had three assists and spaced the floor with his potent jump shot on the perimeter with a career 37.7% accuracy rate from behind the arc.
Horford, 39 and entering his 19th season in the NBA, has a wealth of knowledge for Kuminga to draw from.
“We’ve gotten to talk, and get to know each other better,” and I’m just excited now, and I’m looking forward to that. Our connection has been so great,” Kuminga said. “He’s the type of guy who has been in the league for so long, and he’s coming to me. Every time I see something, he’s next to me and teaching me things maybe I did or did not know. I respect his knowledge.”
That pairing is one that coach Steve Kerr spotlighted as a positive duo in training camp. During the Lakers preseason game on Sunday, Horford and Kuminga often shared the same side of the floor, with the center providing an outlet on the wing when the younger forward posted up on the low block.
Horford’s willingness to pass and do all of the little things has already had an effect on Kuminga.
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“Just sharing the floor with him, it’s just making my life easier, and I’m trying to make everybody’s life easier as much as I can this year,” Kuminga said.
An even-keel Kuminga touted his improvements, but made sure to stress he was far from a finished product.
“I’m saying that I’ve improved in everything,” Kuminga said. “It’s not perfect, it’s not great, but it’s something I can use to help the team.”