The Warriors will have two young rookies to work into the rotation this season in lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Despite reports of pursuits for blockbuster trades to increase the win-now talent on the roster, the Warriors ended up with a pair of teenagers with high potential.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr will be the man tasked with working these two rookies into a group that has visions of competing for championships. Kerr spoke exclusively with NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole on the latest episode of Dubs Talk, and explained that because this season's goals are more clearly defined, the onus will be on Kuminga and Moody to earn minutes in Year 1.
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"We're planning on giving them the best possible support, and in my mind, there's no pressure at all for either one of them to play and expect too much, but if they're ready, then that's great. But they'll be able to progress at a really natural rate," Kerr told Poole.
Kuminga has shown versatility so far in his Summer League appearances for the Warriors, and Kerr sees potential for the No. 7 overall pick to play both on the wing and at power forward in the NBA.
"He's a willing passer, obviously really strong and powerful, I think that's one of the reasons he's a great prospect is just the versatility that he will provide at some point, so lot of exciting prospects for him. But again, we're not going to rush anything, when he's ready he'll play and in the meantime, we'll develop him every single day."
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There was consternation last season with No. 2 overall draft pick James Wiseman's playing time, as the Warriors seemed to be trying to accomplish competing goals. Wiseman also didn't have the benefit of Summer League due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerr explained that this year's mission is clear, and those who give the Warriors the best chance to win will play.
Kuminga has delivered a number of viral moments in Summer League so far, including this ferocious dunk near the end of the first half Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He and Moody will have to prove their skills can translate against NBA talent when the regular season begins. With a clear goal of a championship in mind, Kuminga and Moody only will see the floor as much as Kerr and the coaching staff believe they can help the Warriors win.
