"Might be the best athlete in the NBA": Klay Thompson praises Jonathan Kuminga

Nearly all NBA analysts have been blown away by the work of Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. This year has featured a breakout season for the young star, who has progressed in some huge ways in just a matter of months.

Speaking to the press recently, Kuminga's teammate Klay Thompson spoke highly of the Warriors star.

"Jonathan's been incredible for us," Thompson said. "He might be the best athlete in the NBA, just his ability to rise up and his combination of speed. He's the future of the franchise and we need him to go where we want to go this season."

So far this season, Kuminga is averaging 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. On both ends of the court, he has been a tremendous help for the Warriors and has earned his spot within the team's starting five.

Things got off to a rocky start with Kuminga this season. He wasn't getting a lot of time on the court and he didn't really know where he stood with team coach Steve Kerr. But after a heart-to-heart chat in January, he received more time during games and was able to prove his worth repeatedly. He is now one of the most reliable players on the team and has seemingly become a huge part of their future too.

The Warriors have a young core featuring Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. For years, the team has belonged to the big three of Thompson, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green, but the great work from Kuminga this year shows that Golden State is in good hands.

Kuminga recently had another huge game, posting 23 points and going 9-of-16 from the floor against the Los Angeles Lakers while also posting 2-of-3 from the three-point line.