LaMelo Ball better than Steph Curry and Chris Paul, Kuminga’s words
Jonathan Kuminga explains why he chose the Timberwolves despite the Lakers’ offer and surprises everyone with his comments about LaMelo Ball
During his introductory press conference, Jonathan Kuminga described the Timberwolves as the best winning culture he could have chosen from the options available to him. The Lakers offered him around $12 million per year over three seasons, a figure equal to the total value of the two-year deal he ultimately signed with Minnesota.
I just wanted to go to a team with a winning culture, and I think this was one of the best options I could choose from all the ones I had
Jonathan Kuminga
If we look at the history of the two franchises, there really is no comparison: the Lakers are on another level. But when looking only at next season, Kuminga’s decision becomes much easier to understand. Minnesota is coming off an excellent season and, more importantly, can offer him a clearer role within the team.
The arrival of LaMelo Ball has raised the Timberwolves’ ceiling even further, while a new era has begun in Los Angeles following LeBron James’ departure. The contract also played a role: by choosing Minnesota, Kuminga retained greater flexibility and will be able to return to the market after just one season.
And while discussing LaMelo, Kuminga made another statement sure to spark debate, calling him the best passer he has ever played with:
I’ve played with a lot of point guards throughout my career, but I’ve never played with anyone who can pass the ball as well as LaMelo
Jonathan Kuminga
That’s quite an endorsement, especially considering that during his years with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga played alongside Stephen Curry and Chris Paul. The comment can mainly be interpreted as a way of praising his new teammate, but it inevitably drew some reactions. NBA journalist Brett Siegel jokingly responded on social media:
Apparently Chris Paul and Steph Curry are terrible passers. Weird
Brett Siegel
Kuminga has once again decided to bet on himself, just as he did when he left the Warriors: one season in Minnesota to prove his worth, with the freedom to reassess the market again a year from now.