Somewhat OT: Dub Nation is hoping young Jonathan Kuminga follows a similar career arc to JB. Very similar physical profiles and games (BB-Ref has JK two inches taller, but to my eye they’re about the same) only JK has been a much better player in his first three seasons than JB was in his, despite entering the league a full year younger. Better scorer (volume and especially efficiency), better FT shooter, better rebounder, better passer, similar on court and on-off numbers.
No guarantee any young player follows any other’s trajectory,; and JB’s steady growth from age 22-27 has been impressive indeed. But we can say JK has similar athletic upside, similar defensive versatility, and shows similar passion/motor on the court, with a similar thirst and knack for getting buckets. I think he has a great chance to pass him, but we shall see. Life will no doubt get harder for JK as Steph and Dray age out and he’s asked to create more as the primary offensive option.
Now … the Ws just gotta find their future Tatum. Paging Moses Moody and Gui Santos?
Back on planet earth, you don’t have to squint nearly that hard to see Podziemski as a budding Derrick White (scrappy, skilled 6-4 combo guard with tough D, a non-stop motor, and an almost shockingly positive impact on the scoreboard) but with a ton of upside given he just turned 21 a couple weeks ago. Maybe White on D with shades of and Dragic and/or Manu on O, just to throw some crafty southpaws into the mix?
Anyway, blah blah. Yes, I am sad Steph just turned 36.