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The Golden State Warriors were hoping that their young core could take the next step in the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, that idea hasn't translated the way that the organization had hoped.
Golden State invested a pair of lottery selections in James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga. After showing flashes in their brief careers, the duo were expected to play a larger role for the Warriors this season.
Wiseman was a former second overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft. After showing some upside in his rookie season, Wiseman was sidelined while recovering from a torn meniscus.
After showing some promise in the Summer League this year, the hope was that Wiseman would finally be able to hit the ground running. Instead, the talented big man has struggled on the court.
Similar expectations were felt for former seventh overall selection Jonathan Kuminga. After showcasing his talent in limited minutes as a rookie, Kuminga was expected to be a force for the Warriors moving forward.
Both players have struggled to find a role early on in the season. With Golden State focusing on defending their title, the team has struggled. NBA analyst Tim MacMahon spoke about the issue on an episode of the "The Hoop Collective" podcast. MacMahon said that there should be no shame with the young players getting some time in the G League:
"I understand, look, he's a No. 2 overall pick, there is talent there and man to send a No. 2 overall pick to the G League in his third year although there is an asterisk.
"There should be no shame in him going to the G League getting minutes, making mistakes that aren't going to be under the microscope of you making mistakes that are costing the defending champion dynasty Warriors games."
MacMahon added:
"You know, if Kuminga is not playing for the Warriors, let him go play in the G League. These are young guys who are raw with talent and they clearly are not ready to contribute to a team that has not just championship aspirations but is trying to defend a championship."
Golden State Warriors off to rough start in 2022-23 season
James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga were once viewed as two sensational young pieces on this Golden State roster. Both players spent time in the G League earlier in their careers. The hope was that this year would be the season in which both players were ready to take the next step.
That hope has quickly vanished, as the talented duo have shown signs of struggling on the court. Wiseman has seen his minutes dwindle throughout the opening month of the season. So far this year, he's averaging 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in just 13.4 minutes.
Kuminga has also seen his minutes take a hit as the team tries to figure out their rotation. The 20-year-old forward is currently averaging just 2.7 points in 10.8 minutes.
It hasn't been the start that the defending champions were hoping for. Golden State is currently in the middle of a four-game losing streak. Their most recent loss came on Thursday against a young Orlando Magic team.
The Warriors have one of the most impressive rosters on paper. In the first few games, Golden State has looked like a team that cannot find their groove. With the youth of this team struggling to step up, Golden State will have to find answers quickly.
The team is set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday before home games against the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Guess the Lakers players!
