The Golden State Warriors made a strategic change in their starting lineup against the Toronto Raptors by pairing Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins together. The lineup, which also featured Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, faced criticism for its lackluster start, particularly in terms of off-ball screening and defensive communication. Despite the potential of the Kuminga-Wiggins duo, their on-court chemistry has been questioned, with calls for better leadership and facilitation. The pairing was noted to be more effective when accompanied by ball movers like Podz and Curry, and when Kuminga played 'hyper-aggressive on offense'. In a subsequent game, both Wiggins and Kuminga showed improvement, shooting a combined 8 for 9 and scoring 19 points, although not simultaneously. Their performance in the last few minutes of the game garnered a positive reaction, indicating a possible shift in dynamics. However, the game also highlighted the 'disaster with Wiggins' in the lineup with 'no capable handler other than Curry' and 'no screeners/communicators'.
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.
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.
Might have to go back to Curry/Klay/Podz/Kuminga/Trayce (or Loon) next game. Disaster with Wiggins in there with no other capable handler other than Curry, on top of having no screeners/communicators. The Wiggins/JK pairing works better when Podz/Curry are in w/ them.
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.
If Kuminga makes it look like it's a mismatch when Siakam posts him up as the starting PF, then Ws are screwed because you're proving you're too small for him. Then he doesn't respond to Wiggins' communication on switches. Terrible start on defense.
Wiggins and Kuminga don't communicate on the switch and give up an open 3 to Quickley. Why are they always so unprepared defensively? How do these two still not how to communicate with each other on switches?
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.
The Warriors are starting Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins together tonight against the Raptors, Iโm told. Itโll be Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis.