Warriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga Returns to Camp; Suns Monitor Jalen Green and Mark Williams; Blazers Temper Expectations
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Warriors
Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga joined his first practice of training camp on Thursday, taking part in roughly half of the team’s scrimmages, head coach Steve Kerr said. The session marked Kuminga’s initial public comments since finalizing a two-year, $46.8 million contract that includes a second-year team option.
Negotiations extended through the summer because the 21-year-old sought assurances he would not be re-signed merely as a trade asset. Asked whether he feels the Warriors view him as a long-term piece, Kuminga said, “I would say so, based on me being back here. My focus is this year, pushing and helping us win.”
He added that remaining in the Bay Area is his preference but acknowledged future uncertainty. Entering his fourth NBA season, the former No. 7 overall pick has seen his role fluctuate, including postseason stretches last spring when he logged DNP-CDs. Kuminga said he is prepared to defend top opponents or score when needed, aiming to shake an “offense-only” label.
Suns
Phoenix will open preseason play Friday against the Lakers in Palm Springs without guard Jalen Green, who is nursing a low-grade hamstring strain. Assistant coach Jordan Ott, running the team while head coach Mike Budenholzer remains in Milwaukee, said Green will accompany the club to Macao for Oct. 10 and 12 exhibitions versus Brooklyn but is not guaranteed to appear.
“He’ll be with us in China… the goal is that Oct. 22 season opener,” Ott told reporters. Center Mark Williams will also miss Friday’s game. Limited to 106 contests over three years with Charlotte, Williams has completed every non-contact drill, but Phoenix is holding him out of live 5-on-5 while ramping him up for the regular season.
Trail Blazers
Portland general manager Joe Cronin dialed back his July remark that it was “winning time now,” saying the franchise is maintaining realistic goals. “Do we want to make the play-in? Yes… win 16 playoff games? Yes,” Cronin said. “But I won’t be disappointed if those things don’t happen as long as we’re continually growing. We’re still thinking big-picture with this roster.”
Forward Jerami Grant clarified comments from media day suggesting he did not expect to come off the bench. By Thursday, Grant said he is comfortable with any role: “I’m fine, man,” he noted when asked about potentially not starting.
Source: Hoops Wire
