Co-Rookies of the Day: Jalen Suggs (Magic) & Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)
Every day I have been at Summer League, I have tried to pinpoint one rookie to be my “Rookie of the Day,” but once again, I find myself stuck between Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga for this prestigious honor. Both guys had strong showings in their own way for their respective teams, so let’s take a look at what each guy did.
Jalen Suggs, the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, took on Evan Mobley, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his first Summer League game, Suggs put his versatility on full display and he did so yet again during Day 4.
Unless your name is Russell Westbrook, it is hard to be a triple-double threat as a point guard, but Jalen Suggs has that same ability to be a “do-it-all” type of player like Westbrook. In no way am I comparing the rookie to the future Hall-of-Famer, but in terms of being able to do everything on the court for their teams, Suggs and Westbrook are kind of similar in this way. Not to mention, the former Gonzaga guard is an explosive athlete who can put you on a poster if you are not paying attention!
Against the Cavs on Wednesday, Suggs finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and also added a steal to his name. His overall understanding for the game and ability to control the pace of play is quite unique for a 20-year-old entering the league, which is why Jalen Suggs is going to make a difference in Orlando immediately.
Suggs was drafted 5th overall and then two picks later, the Golden State Warriors drafted Jonathan Kuminga 7th overall. Entering the draft, many seemed to question Kuminga’s abilities to make an impact immediately, some claiming that he was going to be a “work in progress,” but everything that I have seen from this kid says the opposite.
READ MORE: 2021 NBA Summer League Day 3 Review and Headlines
In his Summer League debut on Monday, Kuminga had 16 points and 6 rebounds, putting his athleticism and scoring abilities in the paint on full display, but he really stood out on Wednesday even though he was on the court for less time.
Against the Raptors on Day 4, Jonathan Kuminga had 18 points on 5-17 shooting, but 3 of his made shots came from three-point range. Not being known as a perimeter threat, Kuminga was lighting it up from downtown early on in the first-half and then went back to putting his athleticism on display, rising above his defenders time and time again in attempts to throw down a monstrous dunk.
Given his length, quickness and versatility, Jonathan Kuminga is going to be a very intriguing wing to watch not only next season for the Warriors, but for many years to come. Golden State struck gold with this kid and he is only going to get better with time.
Being able to learn from guys like Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Andre Iguodala is going to work wonders for Kuminga and his game, which is why he has a chance to end up as one of the best players from this draft class.
