"I'm hearing too many things about him off the court" - Stephen A. Smith is 'worried' about young Golden State Warriors star, says he's short changing the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have managed to compete while also adding young talent. They have Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, Jordan Poole and Moses Moody for the future. But one member of the 2022 NBA champions young core has NBA analyst and First Take host Stephen A. Smith worried.
Speaking on First Take, Smith revealed that he has been hearing things about Kuminga's level of discipline and focus. While discussing Kuminga, Smith stated:
"I'm worried about Kuminga. I'm hearing too many things about him off the court, in terms of his head, the level of discipline that he lacks, some of the foolishness. I'm not getting in his personal business, I'm not saying nothing like that. I'm talking attitude, I'm not talking actions."
Smith added:
"I'm saying the attitude, the level of focus, commitment, determination to put your head down doing the work. I'm hearing that he's short changing the Warriors in that regard and he got to get his act together because I'm a Jonathan Kuminga fan."
Smith's comments would be alarming for Warriors fans considering that Kuminga is a young player that the organization considers a big part of their future plans. But a positive aspect is that Kuminga is surrounded by great veteran leadership with Golden State. Kuminga is only 19 years old, so if what Smith is hearing is true, he has time to get his act together.
Some interesting insight regarding Jonathan Kuminga from Stephen A. Smith on First Take this morning 👀
#NBATwitter #DubNation https://t.co/8gGP8V5BzD
Can the Golden State Warriors repeat as champions?
Maintaining the level of focus that it takes to get through the grind of the season and postseason and coming out on top is a difficult thing to do. It becomes even more difficult to do this in back-to-back seasons.
But the Golden State Warriors core knows what it takes, having repeated in 2017 and 2018.
While several teams around the league are likely to improve, it is difficult to say that the defending champions should not be considered the NBA favorites next season. Despite losing several key contributors from last year's roster, Golden State have replaced them well - just as they always seem to do.
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Draymond Green
Kevon Looney
Bench:
Jordan Poole
Jonathan Kuminga
James Wiseman
Moses Moody
Donte DiVincenzo
JaMychal Green
Can the Warriors go back to back? https://t.co/fVCHMvxb2s
Perhaps the most important addition to the Warriors will be getting Wiseman back from injury. It is easy to forget how talented he is since he has hardly seen the court since being drafted second overall in 2020.
Wiseman has the potential to be a very good player for a long time. If he is able to reach that potential, he will be exactly what this Warriors team needs. Wiseman has the ability to be a rim protector and rim runner, while also being able to knock down outside shots.