Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga had a fluctuating role during the 2024-25 NBA season. Earlier in the season, head coach Steve Kerr adjusted the lineup by moving Draymond Green to a bench role to allow Kuminga more playing time. However, in the last three games, Kuminga has been coming off the bench.
In a recent interview, Kuminga stated that whether he starts or comes off the bench doesn’t affect him. He referred to the challenges he faced earlier in his NBA career as well as during his upbringing.
“From where I come from, you always got to be mentally tough. A lot of people that are playing… If they were in my shoes, they’ll quit basketball. They’ll need a therapist. They’ll go through a lot of mental situations. But that thing don’t affect me. As long as I go out here every day and just play, be with my teammates, [they] keep encouraging me to be who I am every day.” Kuminga said.
Jonathan Kuminga says many players would have quit basketball by now if they had to deal with what he has gone through
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 24, 2024
“A lot of people that are playing … if they were in my shoes, they’ll quit basketball. They’ll need a therapist. They’ll go through a lot of mental situations.… pic.twitter.com/qcVVfLdbG5
Kuminga stated that his current focus is on improving his performance rather than worrying about whether he’s coming off the bench or starting the game. So far this season, the Warriors have played 28 games, and Kuminga has participated in 26. Out of those 26 games, he started in 10 and came off the bench in 16.
Steve Kerr Reflects On Jonathan Kuminga’s Fluctuating Role
Kerr is experimenting with the Warriors’ rotation for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. He initially decided to use a 12-man rotation and has made several adjustments to Jonathan Kuminga’s role. In a recent interview, the head coach discussed the changes he has implemented regarding Kuminga’s position on the team.
“So, we put JK in the starting lineup a few weeks ago to see if we could right the ship, and we tried to bring Draymond off the bench, and I didn’t love that. When you’re losing, you try a lot of different things. … If we’re gonna be a defensive-minded team, which that’s our identity, I believe, then Draymond Green should be in the starting lineup.” Kerr said.
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Steve Kerr on his shot selection comments
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 24, 2024
“I got on (Kuminga/Podziemski) during the game. I got on other guys throughout the season. The message was really for our whole team.”
On Kuminga’s fluctuating role: “When you’re losing, you try a lot of different things.” pic.twitter.com/a4J2pHmeu4
Kuminga is averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Warriors’ next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day at Chase Center.
