Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga will be replacing Indiana Pacers’ Chris Duarte to represent the rookie class in the NBA Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Durate is nursing a toe injury sustained on Sunday in a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For the 19-year-old Kuminga, a chance is given to showcase his skills against the League’s brightest young stars. Kuminga is averaging 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 14.3 minutes of run per game on the season.
Kuminga put many on notice in the Dubs’ weekend game against the Los Angeles Lakers, recording 18 points, nine rebounds, and one block in 25 minutes. However, what was most impressive is that he was given the dreaded task of guarding LeBron James — and he held his own. The King shot 33.3% percent from the field, the lowest field goal percentage he’s shot in a game this season when playing 35+ minutes.
Kuminga’s performance left teammate Klay Thompson impressed, per NBCSports.
“He just guarded LeBron James for however many minutes, gave us 18 on 11 shots, and almost a double-double — how many more 19-year-olds or 20-year-olds are doing that?”
Kuminga will look to continue his strong rookie campaign by delivering an outstanding performance in the Rising Star game this coming weekend.
