Opinion is subjective, but Warriors guard Buddy Hield views teammate Jonathan Kuminga as one of the best basketball players in the world. 

All right, maybe not all around, but definitely when the athletic 23-year-old is in transition and has the ball in his hands. 

In that category, Hield affirms Kuminga is in the same league as one of the best to ever play the game and a rising superstar that could very well be in the same conversation in a handful of years. 

“JK is one of those guys that is probably one of the best in the world other than LeBron [James], Anthony Edwards, he’s one of the best in the world in transitions, especially with the ball going downhill,” Hield told reporters after the Warriors’ season-opening win on Tuesday. 

After a strenuous offseason marred by restricted free agency, Kuminga responded to coach Steve Kerr’s season-opening starting lineup nod with purpose. 

Golden State’s swingman unleashed his offensive prowess on the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 17 points coming on 6-of-11 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep. 

Although his defensive output could’ve been better against superstar Luka Dončić, Kuminga added a team-high nine rebounds, with six assists.

All in all, a praiseworthy performance that showcases the detail and effort Kuminga put in over the offseason.

“This summer, I think he made it an issue in making reads and has a group that he has with him. I watch his Instagram all the time. He’s making reads, and it translates to practice. He had a great training camp and a great preseason,” Hield added.

As Hield also pointed out, it plays in Kuminga’s favor that he teamed up with star teammate Jimmy Butler before a crucial 2025-26 NBA season. 

“It’s going to keep translating. He’s working with Jimmy [Butler], and Jimmy has been helping him. It’s perfect for him because he’s idolizing his game after someone like Jimmy,” Hield concluded.

“It’s a long season; we could keep getting better. Some halves are going to look bad, but he delivered in the second half. That’s all we ask for him to do: be him.”

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