Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga played his first game for the franchise in their preseason opener, a 123-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Iowa that served as Tyrese Haliburton's return game. The 25-year-old struggled offensively, scoring two points on 1-for-9 shooting in 19 minutes.
The frustration followed Kuminga out of the arena. As he was leaving the Hilton Coliseum with an associate, a fan shouted a popular internet nickname at him that he did not appreciate. The moniker, in circulation on NBA social media since his Summer League debut in 2021, has been criticised by serious analysts as a disrespectful play on his family name.
Kuminga joined the Timberwolves to fill the starting power forward role and is betting on himself ahead of a crucial contract year, having declined multiple extensions in recent seasons. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games last season split between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
