‘He Was a Legend’: Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Explains Why Kobe Bryant Is His Favorite NBA Player

Published 07/30/2021, 8:30 AM EDT

The Golden State Warriors have acquired a promising #7 NBA draft pick, Jonathan Kuminga. After an early exit from the 2020-21 season, the Warriors have found new talent in Jonathan who aspires to join the NBA elites like Kobe Bryant.

The 18-YO forward from Congo, Jonathan Kuminga is the newest addition to the Warriors roster. Kuminga was previously playing in the G league Ignite, averaging 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. A 6-ft-8-inch and 210-pound sturdy frame is mostly seen driving in the paint. His athleticism is the talking point since Golden State brought him into the picture.

Kobe Bryant is a famous face in Africa, says Jonathan Kuminga

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Whether it be any NBA veteran or a newbie of the league, Kobe Bryant is the constant inspiration for everybody. Warriors’ new pick Jonathan Kuminga is another fan in line. Talking about his first-ever favorite basketball, player, Kuminga suggested, “only Kobe”. “Basically growing up in Africa, he [Kobe] was a legend… He was loved by everybody, he was the biggest player in Africa. Wherever you go out there, you’re gonna see him, see his posters.”

Kuminga has previously talked about how he wants to be regarded the same as NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. While he has a long way to go, GSW is a great first stop for the youngster. His primary strengths lie in a wide range of defensive positions, however, his shooting ability needs some polishing from here on.

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🔊 Growing up in the Congo, @warriors #7 overall pick @JonathanKuming6 watched Kobe Bryant play whenever he had the chance to! #AskNBADraftees https://t.co/HQpiYNfkQn pic.twitter.com/RJmGiHFXQV
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2021

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2021-22 season plans for Warriors seem promising

Warriors superstar Steph Curry will surely be there to guide him through his low points. Moreover, the former championship franchise is also building its roster comprehensively. Draymond Green is heading the defense department, whereas the Splash Brothers will be looking to get back on track for next season.

Golden State Warriors finished ninth in the 2020-21 season. They eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Play-in tournament that led to their exit from the season, missing the playoff opportunity up-close. However, Steve Kerr and co. await their star player Klay Thompson to make a return next year. We’re yet to see if GSW can gain its reputation back as a title team.

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Written by:

Pavni Ahuja is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Housing a keen interest in sports journalism, she is pursuing an undergraduate Journalism degree from Christ University. Pavni is an ardent fan of the NBA, with prior district-level playing experience in basketball.

‘He Was a Legend’: Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Explains Why Kobe Bryant Is His Favorite NBA Player

Kobe Bryant is a famous face in Africa, says Jonathan Kuminga

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