Jonathan Kuminga is proving to be the Warriors' future

Between Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, the Golden State Warriors have two prospects to build their future around. Sure, Podziemski is struggling to begin the season, but that's normal for sophomore players. Kuminga, on the other hand, is starting to emerge as a genuine two-way force for Steve Kerr's team. 

On Thursday, Kuminga dropped 33 points, with 14 coming in the fourth quarter of the Warriors win against the Houston Rockets. The explosive forward followed that up with a 13-point night against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. While he wasn't as impactful in the loss, Kuminga is showing signs of growth enough so that Steve Kerr has made the bold call to move veteran forward Draymond Green to the bench.

"I have been one of JK's biggest fans since he's been here," Green said. "So, if he has an opportunity to start, you can't be hypocritical...If his opportunity goes through me, then it is what it is...I am a product of my vet being willing to take a seat for me. You've got to give back what came to you...A lot of people in this organization think he's next. If he's next, at some point, you've gotta see it. For him to do that, he needs the opportunity. If the opportunity falls on you, being me, then you gotta figure it out. He's earned the right to get the opportunity." 

Dislodging a veteran out of the rotation is one thing. Dislodging arguably the most versatile defender in the NBA, who has four championship rings and is a future Hall of Famer, is another. Kuminga's potential has people within the Warriors franchise excited. Otherwise, Green would still be in the starting lineup. 

However, putting Kuminga in the starting five puts additional pressure on him to thrive. He can't be a passenger next to Stephen Curry. Golden State needs him to emerge as a genuine second-scoring option and someone who can shoulder a heavy burden during tight games. That's what being 'next' means. It means embracing the challenge and putting your team on your back. 

Kuminga has an incredible opportunity being provided to him. If he can step into a bigger role and prove he belongs with the starting lineup, he will be anointed as the Warriors' next star, allowing the front office to begin building around his skillset. Podziemski will then be tasked with following a similar blueprint. Between the two, Golden State may not have to navigate a rebuilding process. 

Right now, the front office's decision to straddle two timelines looks like a masterstroke.