“Kawhi Leonard Doesn’t Really Talk”: Jonathan Kuminga Addresses Comparisons With The Klaw Following Warriors’ Win Last Night

A faction of Warriors fans views Jonathan Kuminga as their answer to a young Kawhi Leonard. JK, however, views things differently.

The Warriors have rounded out their homestand with a perfect 5-0 record. They trailed early against the Pelicans, just like their 2 previous games.

However, they broke free of the Pelicans’ hot pursuit late in the 4th quarter. Jonathan Kuminga came in clutch during the final minute, forcing a crucial turnover to put the game to bed.

Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 27 points on the night. Jordan Poole had a wretched shooting night, going 3-of-13. But he made all 12 of his free throw attempts.

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Jonathan Kuminga expertly deflects Kawhi Leonard comparisons

Jonathan Kuminga played a crucial role in the Warriors’ home win against the Pelicans last night. The 6’7″ wing finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals in 32 minutes.

During the post-game presser, Kuminga was given a ton of credit by the reporters. This performance follows up another 19-point outing against the Clippers. One of the questions was pertaining to Kuminga’s experience of being around Kawhi. He responded thus:

“He doesn’t really talk. The first time I ever heard him talk, it was yesterday. I dapped him and he was like ‘Keep working boy!’ and ‘Stay healthy.’ That was my first time talking to him, and that was my second time playing against him.”

Kuminga, however, refused to state whether he aimed to model his game after the 2-time Finals MVP. In his mind, he wishes to create his own legacy in his own style:

“He’s a great player, but I don’t compare my game to anybody. I wanna be unique, I wanna be the only joint there.”

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Can Kuminga live up to the Kawhi comparisons?

Kuminga’s measurables and his defensive acumen have already earned him laurels from the media. Much like Kawhi with the Spurs early in his career, Kuminga is a tertiary offensive player.

However, elevating his game to the level of a 2-time Finals MVP is no mean feat. Leonard put together one of the greatest postseason runs ever in 2019 on the back of his scoring. Kuminga has shown promise, but the difference between his offensive skill and Kawhi’s is not a chasm, it’s an abyss.