Recent games have highlighted concerns with the Golden State Warriors' strategy of pairing Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins on the court. Critics have pointed out that both players struggle with off-ball screening and spacing, which are crucial for the team's offense. Additionally, there are leadership issues, as neither Kuminga nor Wiggins are natural facilitators or communicators on the court. Despite their athletic prowess, their inability to play effectively together has been evident. Steve Kerr, the Warriors' coach, acknowledged the lack of synergy between the two players. In a rare occurrence, both players performed well individually in a game, with Kuminga scoring 21 points in 16 minutes off the bench through three quarters against the Bulls. However, the effectiveness of their pairing remains in question as the team explores different lineup combinations.
Kerr is closing with Wiggins + Kuminga. Wow.
Kuminga if the warriors pull this off https://t.co/SRQMeftw7T
And... Wiggins in for Kuminga https://t.co/1BKnVa4VpV
Jonathan Kuminga 8 of 9, 3 of 3 three-pointers for 21 points in 16 minutes off the Warriors bench tonight through 3 quarters vs. Bulls.
GOOD Kuminga +Wiggins minutes???? My goodness. https://t.co/Mq0fHM5rZG
Kuminga + Wiggins warning/alert
Kuminga and Wiggins for these last few minutes
Rare half this season when both Wiggins and Kuminga have played well -- combined 8 for 9 shooting for 19 points. Not at the same time of course, but it makes a difference when wings play well.
Dub Hub: Steve Kerr acknowledges that the Kuminga-Wiggins starting lineup โdidnโt clickโ https://t.co/iAGirMnBDE
Thoughts on this game: -Okay, Wiggins and Kuminga can't play together without at least two ball movers by their side. They're also both terrible communicators. Kuminga needs to be led, and Wiggins is no leader. Since you can't start Podz over Klay, the idea of Wiggins/Kumingaโฆ
The idea of Wiggins and Kuminga is much better than the actual Wiggins and Kuminga together https://t.co/LcaVF0ZLID https://t.co/pCP30RuGnL
At least Kuminga is hyper-aggressive on offense when he needs to be, something Wiggins just doesn't have in his blood. The contrast is insane, given that they're both incredible athletes.
Kuminga needs leadership around him. Wiggins is a connector, not a leader. I think the pairing issue lies there. One of those guys has to facilitate, set great screens, and communicate defensively - none of those things are their strengths, nor did it happen. Already on thin ice.
Well this awful start certainly isn't going to convince the coaching staff that Kuminga and Wiggins together is a good idea, but the game is very young. Kuminga and Wiggins have to be better off-ball screeners for the offense to have more spacing and look better in general.