Warriors need Jonathan Kuminga as a source of rim pressure

of golden state warriors Not what you would normally call a traditional rim attacking team.

The sole goal of any offense is to create an advantage that leads to efficient shots. Think of a team that relies on rim pressure to create these advantages. These teams typically employ spread pick-and-rolls, with primary ball handlers who can create shots for themselves and everyone around them.

The Warriors employ ball screens in no small part in their offense, but it doesn’t constitute their main ethos.

Playmaking from multiple sources is their lifeblood. Their initiation points are not only at the top of the key, but at the elbow and low post. Ball screens are always there, but they’re sprinkled with tons of wide pindowns, flare screens, and split cut screens. Off-ball movers try to free themselves for shots or use the threat of shots to create an advantage and tip the defense into panic.

This is a big reason why the Warriors consistently rank among the bottom teams in the league when it comes to rimshot frequency.

glass cleaning

go to a match with new orleans pelicansthe Warriors ranked last in the league for rim frequency — just 28.1% of their shots came to the rim, according to Cleaning the Grass.

Opportunistic cuts, slips and dives to the rim when shooters and ball handlers pull two defenders around the screen, even though the Warriors mostly relied on unconventional sources of rim pressure. . Still need the rim element. The pressure that is there when you need it. Relying on opportunity is a thin line to tread. If those opportunities aren’t always there and your team is silencing them, how else can you create an advantage?

The answer is to drive towards the rim. This either generates shots at the rim that can draw fouls, or collapses the inside defense to open up perimeter looks.

In theory, another answer is to generate roll gravity from a capable roll man big. It was supposed to be James Wiseman’s job. To be fair, the numbers favor him in that division — 1.75 points per possession (PPP) as a roll man in pick-and-roll situations, and synergy puts him in the 94th percentile. I’m here.

But Wiseman’s execution of the pick-and-roll on the floor also changes the trend and flow of the offense. To what extent is Steve Kerr willing to compromise his offensive philosophy to cater to Wiseman’s current strengths? How sustainable is a pick-and-roll based offense?

It would be ideal if we could find a blend that included Wiseman as a reliable rim pressure generator without compromising everything else. I have.

If what Jonathan Kuminga showed tonight is any indication, the Warriors quickly found an answer.

Cuminga had 12 shooting and scored 18 points against the Pelicans. Only three of those shots were taken beyond the arc. His emphasis seems to be on getting to the rim instead of pulling up from long range. This has proven to be a wise decision.

Athleticism and speed have always been there for him. What Spurt is largely lacking, or lacking entirely, is decision-making. If it were up to Kuminga, he would probably prefer to have the ball in hand and play the role of primary creator. Roles need to be carved out.

for example:

Kuminga wasn’t the only one to make this possession fruitful for the credits to be properly distributed. He created an advantage by pushing the line up and pulling in defenders. ).

Attacking the catch is an easy achievement for someone as explosive as Kuminga. If the defenders aren’t paying him much attention, he can pounce on them and catch them off guard.When the Warriors perform a ‘Motion Strong’/’Stagger Away’ on the lower possession, Moses his Moody Curl the first screen. Kuminga takes advantage of Zion Williamson’s unpreparedness.

In a classic Warriors set — “thumb out— Jordan Poole receives a ball screen from Kuminga and begins the “get” action on Kevon Looney. Poole then saw Kuminga matched with Williamson and threw the ball back to him, saying “stampede cutOpportunity—that is, catch the ball and immediately drive it to the rim.

Even in a one-on-one situation, Kuminga showed the necessary technique, footwork and dexterity to reach the paint and lift defenders into the air to complete the finish.

In addition, Kuminga has a rare and valuable skill of being able to draw fouls. He led the team last season in 75 free throw attempts per possession (5.9) and free throw percentage (.413). By flooring him, the Warriors provide a near-instantaneous source of free throws.

Being able to provide a consistent stream of rim pressure creates a rim pressure threat. Defenders who are wary of potential paint attacks from Kuminga are more vulnerable to attacks from other parts of the floor, especially the weaker side.

When the Warriors execute another staple play called “head tapTo get a good post position for Kuminga in the left block, the Pelicans defense pinches and prepares for a potential Kuminga post attack. This leaves a gap open in the middle of the paint, allowing for a hard cut from rookie Ryan Rollins.

Cuminga doesn’t have to be the only cause of rim pressure. Poole has previously flashed his ability to outrun opponents at points of attack with handles and craft, but it was played at a steady pace that allowed him to maintain control rather than rushing all over the ball. is possible only if place.

These his possessions successfully put both feet in the paint, drawing all attention to himself and to his teammates.

Even with the Warriors losing to the Pelicans, the game was an opportunity for Kerr to see which of his bench pieces could be trusted and which needed more work. A lot has been made about Wiseman and the time he’s getting in his center spot backing up behind Rooney. This performance of Kuminga has provided him with a significant case as a Minutes in the Small Ball 5, or as an Athletic and Mobile 4.

Kuminga is arguably better than anyone on the team when given the opportunity to attack the rim, and he does it consistently. Surrounded by veteran decision makers, he was able to contribute to the team in a way the Warriors desperately needed. Make meaningful line-up changes and mix up combinations.