Jonathan Malangu Kuminga, born October 6, 2002, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, has rapidly emerged as one of the NBA’s most promising young forwards. Selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga combines explosive athleticism, versatility, and two-way potential. At just 19 years and 253 days old, he became the second-youngest NBA champion when the Warriors defeated the Celtics in the 2022 Finals.
Quick Facts of Jonathan Kuminga
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Malangu Kuminga |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Goma, DR Congo |
| Nationality | Congolese |
| Height / Weight | 6′7″ (2.01 m), 225 lb (102 kg) |
| High School | Huntington Prep (WV), Our Savior New American (NY), The Patrick School (NJ) |
| Early Career | NBA G League Ignite (2020–21) – 15.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.7 apg |
| NBA Team | Golden State Warriors (2021–present) |
| Position | Power Forward / Small Forward |
| Number | 00 |
| Playing Style | High-flyer, slashing forward, two-way potential |
| Net Worth | ~$5 million |
| Major Achievements | NBA champion (2022), Rising Stars selection, franchise records |
| Recent Status | Restricted free agent; interest from Suns & Kings in sign-and-trade |
Early Life and Prep Career
Kuminga began playing basketball at just age two in Congo. Moving to the U.S. in 2016, he attended Huntington Prep, then Our Savior New American in New York, and later The Patrick School in New Jersey. He averaged 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game as a sophomore and earned MVP honors at the Slam Dunk to the Beach showcase, scoring 40 points in a single game.
These experiences against top-tier prep competition forged his physical skills and mental toughness, setting the stage for a professional career.
Professional Leap: NBA G League Ignite & Draft
Foregoing college offers from programs like Duke and Kentucky, Kuminga joined the NBA G League Ignite for the 2020–21 season. He averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, showcasing his two-way potential and attracting attention as a top NBA draft prospect.
Selected 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2021, Kuminga made his NBA debut on October 30, 2021, recording a steal and 3 points. By mid-December, he scored 26 points in his first career start, signaling his offensive ceiling and earning a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge.
NBA Career Highlights
- Rookie Season (2021–22): Contributed as a bench player to the Warriors’ NBA championship run.
- 2023–24 Season: Tied a Warriors franchise record by going 11-for-11 from the field for 25 points in a single game, matching Chris Mullin.
- 2024–25 Season: Scored a career-high 34 points with 10 rebounds and five assists, despite missing 31 games due to a sprained ankle. In the playoffs, averaged 20.8 points per game in Stephen Curry’s absence.
Playing Style and Impact
Kuminga is a high-flying forward known for his athletic slashing ability, defensive versatility, and two-way potential. His skill set allows him to play both power forward and small forward, making him a flexible option for modern NBA schemes. Analysts praise his playoff poise and scoring efficiency, marking him as a potential cornerstone talent.
Personal Life and Background
Jonathan comes from a basketball family:
- Brother Joel Ntambwe played at UNLV and Texas Tech.
- Cousins Emmanuel Mudiay and Omari Gudul compete professionally overseas.
Fluent in French and English, Kuminga has also engaged in charitable outreach, including auctions benefiting anti-gun violence initiatives.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Kuminga’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, earned through his NBA salary, endorsements, and limited ventures. Despite his youth, he is positioned to command a major contract extension—potentially upwards of $30 million annually—if his performance and market value continue to rise. He maintains a focused lifestyle, emphasizing training, development, and measured philanthropy.
Future Outlook
As a restricted free agent in 2025, Kuminga is exploring options for a larger role and financial upside, with sign-and-trade interest from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings. While he respects Coach Steve Kerr and values his development in Golden State, Kuminga seeks greater autonomy and team fit, positioning him as a key figure in NBA offseason negotiations.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Nicknamed “Kum Bucket” for his smooth scoring.
- Second-youngest NBA champion behind Darko Miličić.
- Holds a perfect 11-of-11 shooting night, tying Chris Mullin’s franchise record.
- Played high-pressure prep basketball across three states before even enrolling in college.
Jonathan Kuminga’s story—from shooting hoops as a toddler in Goma to contributing on an NBA championship team—reflects resilience, adaptability, and self-belief. As he enters the next stage of his career, the league will watch closely as he asserts himself among the NBA’s rising stars.
Jonathan Kuminga’s rise from the G League Ignite to NBA champion shows just how quickly players can adjust to the NBA’s competitive environment. His two-way potential and ability to impact both sides of the game make him one to watch closely. What’s next for him as he continues to evolve?