Jonathan Kuminga thriving in new role

Jonathan Kuminga chose the Minnesota Timberwolves for a chance at a featured role. One game into the season, it’s looking like a great choice.

The Timberwolves' new starting power forward impressed on both sides of the ball as Minnesota blew out the Miami Heat, 131-106. Kuminga scored 12 points and grabbed four steals for the new-look Wolves.

Jonathan Kuminga embraced his role with Minnesota Timberwolves

Kuminga struggled to get regular playing time on the veteran-laden Golden State Warriors after they made him the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft. He was regularly benched, then battled injuries after a midseason trade to the Atlanta Hawks. After remaining unsigned well into the summer, Kuminga signed a two-year deal with the Timberwolves for $12.4M.

The Timberwolves offered Kuminga chance to rebuild his value and show he can be a valuable NBA player. He's doing it on a team that doesn't need him to put up a lot of points, but does need him to play with energy on defense and run the floor on offense.

All that was on display in the opener. Kuminga scored in transition, shot 2-for-4 from three-point range and delivered some well-timed screens. He was one of the few Timberwolves who could slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo, while also regularly getting into the Heat's passing lanes.