The Golden State Warriors drafted Jonathan Kuminga using the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Considering Jonathan Kuminga was a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, it’s no surprise that he was expected to become a solid star in the league.
However, over the last four seasons, Kuminga has barely had any clarity over his role under head coach Steve Kerr.
The situation has only gotten worse due to Kuminga’s ongoing saga with the Warriors over a contract extension. So much so that Warriors owner Joe Lacob had to get involved in it.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesJoe Lacob was the ‘driving force’ behind drafting Jonathan Kuminga in 2021
While Kuminga is yet to reach his full potential with the Warriors, another pick from the same class has started to make a name for himself in the league.
It was none other than Orlando Magic’s No. 8 overall pick, Franz Wagner, who had a breakout 2024-25 season. Wagner averaged 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game for the Magic.
He is well on the trajectory to surpass Kuminga, but here’s the interesting part – the Warriors could have drafted Wagner. In fact, it was Lacob who forced the front office to draft Kuminga.
“Lacob has been a central figure in Kuminga’s NBA career since the beginning. Bob Myers was team president and Dunleavy’s assistant general manager when they drafted Kuminga in 2021.
“They gave the collective green light, but Lacob was a driving force in the selection when others, including a few on the coaching staff, voiced a Franz Wagner preference, sources said,” ESPN recently reported.
Despite Lacob backing up Kuminga in the past, it seems like the Warriors owner is having second thoughts about his decision. After all, the Dubs have shown reluctance to offer Kuminga a major extension.
NBA fans support Joe Lacob drafting Jonathan Kuminga over Franz Wagner
Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images
As good as Wagner currently is, NBA fans on X have still shown support for Lacob’s decision to draft Kuminga over the German forward.
“Curry would’ve destroyed Wagner’s growth anyway,” one fan wrote. While another sarcastically added: “Ah, because Franz Wagner shoots the 3 so well!”
“I mean, Franz is overrated. JK is better,” a third fan stated.
“I still would’ve drafted Kuminga. It was good value for where he was being picked,” a fourth fan added.
“Kuminga is really good. Steve Kerr hates anyone who outshines Steph,” a fan pinned the blame on Kerr.
Most fans showed trust in Kuminga’s abilities; they blamed coach Kerr instead. Now, that’s an interesting outlook for a head coach who has won four NBA Championships with the franchise.