The Minnesota Timberwolves' new forward Jonathan Kuminga is being viewed as a potential season-swinging addition, even after a tough preseason debut. The Wolves fell 123-112 to the Indiana Pacers in a preseason contest on October 7, a game where Kuminga shot just 1-9 from the field for two points. His arrival, alongside the blockbuster trade for LaMelo Ball, aims to fix an offense that stalled in last year's playoffs.
Former NBA executive John Hollinger identified Kuminga as an under-the-radar player who could have a major say in how this season unfolds. He believes the 24-year-old might have finally found the right home for his skill set. "At his best, Kuminga is a head-down bucket-getter who can isolate one-on-one and either get to the rim or draw fouls," Hollinger wrote. His raw athleticism remains a tantalizing asset as he enters his fifth NBA season.
The plan is for Kuminga to likely lead off with the starters, acting as a third offensive engine alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. His ability to create his own shot is something the Wolves desperately needed. Their offense ranked a disappointing 12th out of 16 playoff teams last spring, often looking stagnant, especially when Edwards was battling injuries.
Integrating won't be seamless. Driving lanes could be hard to find with Rudy Gobert occupying the paint, a problem Edwards has also faced. Kuminga's outside shooting isn't reliable enough yet to compensate if those driving opportunities dry up. His preseason performance against Indiana highlighted those early growing pains.
He also arrives with something to prove. Kuminga was on two different teams last season and was eventually taken out of the rotation by the Atlanta Hawks during their playoff run. In Minnesota, his offensive burden won't be as heavy, which could help him find a more efficient role. The Wolves' recent 116-97 preseason win over Milwaukee on October 5 shows the potential of this retooled roster when things click.
His value may shine brightest in the postseason. Adding a player who can handle the ball and create a shot gives Minnesota a better chance to weather potential injuries. Ball's own history of missing games adds to the importance of Kuminga's scoring punch. He provides insurance and a different look for a team with clear championship aspirations.
The front office made these bold moves for exactly this reason. They traded Julius Randle to get Ball and won a bidding war to sign Kuminga. The goal is to build a roster deep and versatile enough for a long playoff run.
Kuminga doesn't need to be a superstar. But if he finds his fit and provides consistent offensive production, he could be the exact piece that swings the balance in a tight Western Conference race. The Wolves are betting on his talent to make that happen.
