Richard Jefferson talks about Jonathan Kuminga’s ceiling in the NBA: “You don’t just give up on him” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The standoff between rising star Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors continues deep into the offseason. The talented forward recently turned down the Warriors’ two-year, $45 million contract offer, creating a tricky impasse.
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Meanwhile, the team’s front office has been unimpressed with the trade proposals they’ve received, leaving them in a difficult position as they navigate roster decisions in a bid to give superstar Steph Curry one last shot at adding another title before his career ends.
With all this fuss surrounding Kuminga, who averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season, many are asking: is he really worth the trouble? According to former NBA champion and now media personality Richard Jefferson, the 22-year-old possesses a high ceiling similar to that of the Phoenix Suns’ guard Jalen Green.
All the talent in the world
Jefferson recognizes that Kuminga possesses all the physical tools to become a star in the NBA. He can jump out of the gym, create plays for himself and others and even drain shots from outside the arc. However, the former NBA veteran added that as much potential as Kuminga has, he has yet to harness it all. It’s a common tale in the big league, where young players are often praised for their raw athleticism and potential, only to struggle with consistency and decision-making on the court.
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“All of the talent in the world. All of the talent. But still needs more hours to learn how to play basketball. Needs to learn more, like an IQ,” Richard stressed.
Jefferson highlighted that Kuminga has similar challenges as Green, who are both athletic scorers striving to develop greater efficiency. These skills, he noted, can only be honed through experience, practice, and mentorship from seasoned veterans.
“All of the talent is there. If you’re Houston, why would you trade this young kid that can average 20? He was the number two pick. He’s developing—skill-wise and talent-wise—into a 20-point-a-game scorer,” Jefferson said. “You don’t just give up on him. But there’s still so much growth and maturity that needs to take place in Jalen Green. But all of the talent is there. And you know, I look at Jonathan Kuminga as the exact same.”
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Golden State might not be the place for him
Golden State’s offense is predicated on quick passing and ball movement, things that cater to the unique talent and skills of the Warriors’ longtime megastar Steph Curry. And while Kuminga has shown flashes of what he can do when playing off the Chef, he quickly became an afterthought when the Warriors acquired veteran All-Star Jimmy Butler earlier this year.
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“Steph Curry is one of the most unique players to play with. There is a flow state. There is an understanding. There is a seeing-things-before-things-happen. There is a flow to playing with Steph Curry that’s unique to other players,” Jefferson noted. “So, your basketball IQ has to be fairly high because you’re trying to maximize this superstar, once-in-a-generation player.”
With the Warriors constantly looking to free Steph up and hit him at moments when he has a sliver of space, there is no room for isolation basketball or hesitation — things that Kuminga has been known to do.
“Steph Curry’s moving around. That’s who you got to find and hit. If you’re trying to prove — which you might be — but Steph Curry’s moving around, both of those things don’t mesh, right?” Richard added.
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In his early 20s and already boasting a championship ring, Kuminga is poised to take his game to the next level. With the talent and skill set to thrive, he’s ready to spread his wings. However, it seems the Warriors may not offer the ideal environment for him to truly take flight.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.