Jimmy Butler, in his first postgame comments after the Warriors’ season-opening win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, spoke about Jonathan Kuminga like a proud father.
But even the proudest of fathers continue to push their children, as Butler has done with his mentee Kuminga as the 23-year-old forward aims for NBA stardom.
“I just want to help JK be great,” Butler said. “He’s got so much raw talent. He’s so aggressive. He’s so athletic. He’s super smart. I’m trying to teach him a little bit of what I see thorughout the game. We’ve been kicking it, hanging out, watching film and working on our game together after practice, before practice, during practice.
“I know how great he wants to be and how great he can be, so it’s now my job to help him fulfill that.”
So far, so good.
Kuminga, in his first game with the Warriors since agreeing to a two-year, $48.5 million extension late last month to conclude a lengthy contract standoff with the organization, showed why he continues to bet on himself.
The fifth-year wing had an impressive season debut under the bright Hollywood lights, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting (54.5 percent) from the field and 4 of 6 (66.7 percent) from 3-point range, with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal in 33 minutes.
He also got the start against the Lakers, alongside Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Butler and Draymond Green.
Butler shared what he liked from Kuminga’s performance.
“Making all the right plays. Shooting the ball when you’re open. Attacking. Passing the ball. Guarding first and foremost. He’s got it. He’s got that [mentality of], ‘What you need me to do, I’ll do it if it’s going to help us win.’ “
Sure, it’s early. But the signs are promising.