Draft night decisions often shape the trajectory of franchises for years. And in 2021, the Golden State Warriors faced one of those pivotal moments. With the No. 7 pick on the board, internal debate swirled between two promising prospects: Franz Wagner, the cerebral wing from Michigan, and Jonathan Kuminga, the raw but explosive forward from the G League Ignite.
According to reporting from Shams Charania, while several voices within the Warriors organization, including members of the coaching staff, leaned toward Wagner, it was team owner Joe Lacob who ultimately tipped the scales.
“They gave the collective green light, but Lacob was a driving force in the selection when others, including a few on the coaching staff, voiced a Franz Wagner preference,” Charania wrote.
Lacob’s influence wasn’t just symbolic. Sources say he’s been a central figure in Kuminga’s NBA journey from the beginning, advocating for his development and resisting trade offers that would have sent the young forward elsewhere. Even as Kuminga’s role fluctuated under head coach Steve Kerr, Lacob remained steadfast in his belief that Kuminga could be a franchise cornerstone.
In contrast, Wagner was selected one pick later by the Orlando Magic and quickly became a foundational piece, averaging over 18 points per game and signing a five-year, $224 million extension in 2024.
The contrast between Kuminga and Wagner isn’t just statistical, it’s philosophical. Wagner entered a rebuilding situation in Orlando, where he was given the keys to grow without pressure. Kuminga, meanwhile, joined a championship contender, where minutes were earned and mistakes were magnified.
As of today, Kuminga is negotiating a new deal with the Warriors, reportedly turning down a two-year, $45 million offer and seeking closer to $30 million annually. Lacob remains his biggest supporter, but questions linger about whether the coaching staff shares that vision.
