Jonathan Kuminga is putting the talk about his work ethic to bed. 

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic's Shams Charania on Tuesday, Kuminga discussed how he shrugged off the narrative that he wasn't dedicated to the game of basketball when rumors regarding his work ethic began to spread this past offseason. 

"It was just a thing I was laughing at every single day because the real people that's around me knows I was working and know what I was doing," Kuminga shared with Charania. "People are going to always assume whatever they're going to assume."

The 20-year-old added that he is focused on improving his game the right way and not skipping any steps. 

"As long as you know what you're doing and you're doing the right things, that's all that matters because I kind of block out that," Kuminga continued. "I just focus on my grind, knowing that I'm still here, I haven't gone anywhere and I feel like I got way more better compared to when I first got to the league."

Rumors of Kuminga's lack of focus began when ESPN's Stephen A. Smith proclaimed the second-year forward was "shortchanging" the Warriors with his behavior. 

Warriors coach Steve Kerr and general manager Bob Myers both were "shocked" to hear Smith's assertions, with Kerr going as far as to say the rumors "made no sense" on an episode of "The TK Show" podcast on Sept. 21. 

After missing eight of the Warriors' last 10 games, Kuminga firmly reestablished his role on the team, scoring 20 points and grabbing three rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets in his second game back. 

As Golden State continues to find ways to turn its season around, Kuminga's improved play will be key to any strides the team might make down the stretch. 

Perhaps then, pundits will be more focused on Kuminga's ability on the court, instead of speculating on how the forward is handling himself off the court. 

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