Potential is exciting. At the same time, it isn’t anything at all. Until it’s realized, potential is strictly hypothetical. NBA teams are well aware of this. A player’s potential is something to keep in mind, but eventually, a team needs to see it actualize.
That said, for a player to reach his potential, he needs the right conditions. Even then, there’s debate on what conditions will allow a player to reach that potential. Imagine a blue-chip prospect landing on a contending team. Some will suggest that he’s in an optimal situation – he will learn good habits. Sure. On the other hand, he might not even get on the floor.
Take Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. His potential is obvious, but he hasn’t been able to turn it into production so far. Kuminga has struggled to find a meaningful role on a contending Warriors team. Could they send him to the Charlotte Hornets this season?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C P.J. Washington, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga
On the other hand, every rebuilding team doesn’t afford high-potential player opportunities either. Sometimes, it feels like a player is costing himself opportunities. Unless you’re a fly on the wall in an NBA locker room, you don’t know exactly why a player can’t get on the floor. All we can do from the outside is speculate.
Why has Kai Jones struggled to find his footing in Charlotte? He certainly has potential. Jones is an outlier athlete. His leaping ability at his height is among the most impressive qualities in the NBA. Yet, Jones has hardly seen the floor on a Hornets team that’s been losing games anyway. Why?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Well, it seems that Jones may have some questionable off-court habits. Recently, he took to social media to criticize his own teammates. In a shocking turn of events, the team didn’t like it. Now, Jones’ future with the team is up in the air. Should Washington’s future be unclear as well?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
If Kuminga is available, yes. Washington is a good role player – more on that later. Kuminga can be a star. If the Warriors make him available, they should be interested. Kuminga could be a building block for this team moving forward.
Is this a no-brainer? We wouldn’t go that far. Giving up a distant future swap is a risk for a rebuilding team. On the other hand, the Warriors are aging and should be on the decline. The Hornets are surely hoping to contend by 2029. It’s entirely possible that this pick won’t convey at all.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Either way, Kuminga is worth the price. Hornets fans may also worry about his overlap with Miles Bridges. They shouldn’t. If Kuminga hits his ceiling, he’ll easily surpass Bridges. He could also join LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miler to form a big three that revitalizes this franchise. Should the Warriors give the Hornets that opportunity?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Let’s talk about Washington. Who is he, and who can he be? Well, he may not ever be more than what he is. Washington hasn’t necessarily flashed self-creation chops during his time in Charlotte. That’s fine. Unlike Kuminga, Washington is already quite good.
Specifically, he’s a combo big who can guard multiple positions. Washington can play the 5 and give his team a spaced-out, fast-paced, defensively versatile lineup. In other words, he bears some similarities to Draymond Green. He’s clearly not as strong of a defender or playmaker, but he’s a more reliable floor spacer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The two together could make a very impactful line-up. That matters to the Warriors. This is a contending team that needs more depth in their rotation. Moreover, Washington is young enough that the Warriors aren’t giving up on their future here – even if Kuminga has higher potential.
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