Former NBA superstar Blake Griffin would like to see the Golden State Warriors take the handbrake off their hottest young star.
After a long offseason, the Golden State Warriors will be happy to finally get back to playing meaningful basketball.
The Warriors’ summer was dominated by uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s contract, which was ultimately resolved in early October.
The only uncertainty that remains at this point is whether Jonathan Kuminga will be the Golden State Warriors’ starter this season.
Blake Griffin says Jonathan Kuminga’s contract issues with the Golden State Warriors are over and it’s time for the franchise to commit to him in a way that really matters.
Griffin told Run It Back TV that he would like to see Kuminga play a key role for the Warriors this season.
He believes this is the only way Kuminga can actually prove his worth to the franchise.
“Especially at the beginning of the season, you want to see him have a little bit longer leash. When you see him play 30-plus minutes and see the ball go into the basket, it’s going to have a big impact on the player-coach relationship,” Griffin said.
“He’s one of those guys that you watch him do on the court and say, ‘No way.’
“He’s very athletic, he’s got tremendous ability. I think he’s been in this organization a long time and understands how to play.
“I want to see him get an opportunity. He’s incredibly talented and I think this Golden State team needs him. They need youth and things like that. No matter what happens, I want to see him get an opportunity.”
The Golden State Warriors rely on a veteran quartet of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and newcomer Al Horford.
Former Clippers star Lou Williams believes Kuminga can play a pivotal role in taking the pressure off the Warriors.
Agreeing with Griffin’s point, he added, “We’ve got to get minutes for him. We’ve got to give him 30 to 35 minutes every night for him to come out and be successful, and we’ve got to extend that time for our seniors to get through the season.”