Dub Hub: Draymond Green has ‘zero doubts’ Jonathan Kuminga will become a superstar

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Friday, January 3rd.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Draymond Green explains why he has “zero doubts” that Jonathan Kuminga will become a superstar following another big night during Friday’s win vs. 76ers.
• Steve Kerr tells fans to “cherish” Stephen Curry after his 30-point, 8-of-8 three-point performance.
• Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead first returns for NBA All-Star voting 2025.

The Golden State Warriors dominated the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, cruising to a 139-105 victory. While Steph Curry stole the spotlight with an absurd 30-point performance where he shot a perfect 8-of-8 from beyond the arc, Jonathan Kuminga quietly continued to shine in his evolving role off the bench.

Kuminga, the team’s second-leading scorer on the night, dropped 20 points in just 25 minutes, while showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by teammates, particularly Draymond Green, who praised the fourth-year forward’s development postgame.

Kuminga’s performance Thursday was another reminder of his burgeoning potential. Embracing his role off the bench has allowed him to thrive at power forward, a position where he feels most comfortable. As the game slows down for him, Kuminga is learning how to best utilize his elite athleticism—whether it’s creating open shots for teammates or making impactful defensive plays.

Despite the inconsistent playing time and trade rumors from earlier in the season, Kuminga is truly beginning to solidify himself as a key contributor for the Warriors in their pursuit of another championship.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, January 3rd:

Warriors News:

Warriors’ Stephen Curry drains 8-of-8 3s despite thumb sprain | ESPN

And Curry did all this with a sprained right thumb on his shooting hand. Curry was listed as questionable on the injury report, and he said his status was uncertain. He practiced the day before but tried to protect his shooting thumb.

“He barely practiced yesterday,” teammate Draymond Green said. “Kind of walked around practice doing everything with his left hand. ... To see him come out and have the game that he had, kind of sums up Steph.”

Steve Kerr on Steph Curry’s performance vs. 76ers: “We need to cherish these nights”

Steph Curry on Steve Kerr’s trimmed Warriors rotation: ‘Narrowing … (it) helps everybody’ | The Athletic

Kerr credited the two veterans for their acceptance without rattling the cage. This is Anderson’s first time getting plucked from Kerr’s rotation. This is somewhere around Looney’s 100th time in 10 seasons.

“We’re lucky to have them on our team,” Kerr said. “They’re the most professional guys you could ask for. The only way it works in the NBA is if the guys who aren’t playing are supportive of the other guys and aware of what’s happening and accepting of it.”

There’s no question this shorter, simplified rotation has most helped Jonathan Kuminga. He has never agitated for a guaranteed starting spot but has long desired a more regular featured role, giving him a runway to grow his game and a trust that Kerr and his staff believe in him.

What Draymond told Embiid after Warriors blew out 76ers | NBC Sports Bay Area

“Just telling them to stick with it, keep going, trust your body,” Green added. “Listen to your body, but just keep going and forget all those people that got something to say.

“They don’t know what it takes. They don’t even know what it takes to be great at what they do, but they want to criticize you at what you’re great at. But you don’t know what it takes to be great, so forget them people. But I said it a little differently.”

Draymond Green explains how Steph Curry is motivated by Reggie Miller

NBA News:

Sources: Jimmy Butler indicates to Heat he wants trade | ESPN

Butler does not plan to furnish the Heat with a list of favored destinations, sources told ESPN. He is open to playing anywhere other than Miami and believes he can make any team a contender — no matter where he is moved. He does plan to take part in all team activities and do whatever the Heat ask of him during this process, sources said.

Heat officials did not immediately return messages Thursday night.

Anthony Edwards’ frustration is rising as Timberwolves search for answers | The Athletic

“I don’t know what to do, honestly,” Edwards said. “But it’s not fun, of course. Because I don’t want to look like I’m not trying, or not as good as I am because I am. But I can’t show it because I’m getting double-teamed.”

The strategy has not only depressed Edwards’ statistics from where he figured they would be, but it appears to have taken some of his trademark spirit as well. For a player who has always shown so much energy and joy on the court, searching for offense with this new roster has proven to be stifling.

“Super hard,” Edwards said. “Because I’m wired to score the ball.”

Nuggets Nikola Jokic and Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo lead first NBA All-Star voting returns

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Player grades: Warriors vs. 76ers

Dennis Schröder

26 minutes, 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 4 fouls, 5-for-9 shooting, 3-for-4 threes, 2-for-2 free throws, 75.9% TS, +17

This was a glimpse as to why the Warriors acquired Schröder, and how good they can be when he feels comfortable with his new teammates, and operating in his new system. He made a pair of early threes — and a few excellent passes — to jumpstart the Dubs as they hopped out to an early lead that they would never relinquish. He complements Steph Curry so well, and can also run the second unit brilliantly. If he keeps playing like this, the Warriors can once again have realistic visions of going places.

Grade: A

A tweet to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.