Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s latest move spells trouble for soon-to-be restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

On Friday, Feb. 21, the Warriors continued their strong run with new addition Jimmy Butler, dominating the Sacramento Kings 132-108. With the win, they improved to 4-1 since Butler’s arrival, moved two games above .500, and climbed to the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

Now just 2.5 games away from a top-six spot—which guarantees a direct playoff berth—the Warriors have benefited from Butler’s seamless integration into their small-ball lineup.

Kerr was so impressed with the current starting five—Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Butler, Moses Moody, and Draymond Green—that he has decided to stick with them.

“I imagine we will stay with this lineup,” Kerr told reporters. “I hope so. Because we’ve had a million different starting lineups this year. It’d be really nice to stick with this for the rest of the season and keep building continuity with our lineups.”

As the adage says, “Why fix if ain’t broke?”

So, what does this mean for Kuminga, who is set to return soon from a serious ankle sprain?

“JK was coming off the bench before he got injured and was playing really well, playing 30-plus minutes,” Kerr continued. “We had that rotation before he got hurt. We’re playing well right now. Hopefully, that continues. I’m never going to commit to anything because it’s dependent on how we’re playing. But if we keep playing like this, we’ll keep starting this way.”

Steve Kerr Makes His Case

Although Kuminga may feel he’s earned a starting role, especially with his next contract on the line, Kerr has a solid reason for his decision.

In 10 starts this season, Kuminga has averaged 16.8 points on 45% shooting, including 31.8% from three, along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists. However, he has been more efficient off the bench, posting 16.7 points on 46.3% shooting, 36.3% from beyond the arc, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Kerr remains firm in his choice to stick with the current starting five, which may suggest concerns about Kuminga’s defense.

“I think it’s the best two-way starting group we can put on the floor,” Kerr said. “You get Moses’ shooting, you get BP’s playmaking to go with Steph and Jimmy. Then Draymond and Jimmy at the five and four defensively behind the play. We lack size, but we have a lot of brainpower back there.”

Jonathan Kuminga at the Crossroads

The Warriors announced on Wednesday, Feb. 19, that rising forward Jonathan Kuminga has rejoined practice.

Kuminga has been sidelined since Jan. 4 after suffering a significant right ankle sprain against the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to the team’s medical update, his return will depend on his continued progress and physical readiness.

His reintegration into the revamped Warriors will be a key factor in their playoff push, and how he performs upon returning could heavily influence the team’s offseason decisions.

Last offseason, Kuminga reportedly sought a $35 million annual salary during unsuccessful extension talks, according to Slater.

That’s a hefty price tag for a Sixth Man.

The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay after he tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, violating the league’s anti-drug policy.

Portis, who played at Little Rock Hall and for the Arkansas Razorbacks, will be ineligible to return until at least April 8, which is Milwaukee’s 79th game of the 82-game regular season.

His suspension began with the Bucks’ matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” Portis said in a statement released by the team. “During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body.”

Portis unintentionally took the painkiller, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. He believed he was taking Toradol, a league-approved medication he had used before, Bartelstein told ESPN, later confirming the details to The Associated Press.

Portis was unaware that he had taken Tramadol, which was properly prescribed but is listed as a banned substance under the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

“I am deeply disappointed that the NBA chooses to interpret its policy so strictly, and that the policy does not allow for a different result for an honest mistake with pure intentions,” Bartelstein said in the statement. “Bobby loves being a part of the NBA and he loves being a role model and a true ambassador for the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee. This has been incredibly difficult for him, but he will accept this penalty with grace and turn this into a great opportunity to improve and further build his reputation and performance in every way, both on and off the court.”

Portis, known for his toughness and a crucial role in the Bucks’ rotation, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, primarily coming off the bench.

The 30-year-old will forfeit $2,858,701 in salary due to the suspension, which comes at a critical time for Milwaukee. The Bucks, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, are one game behind fourth-place Indiana, one game ahead of sixth-place Detroit, and 3.5 games ahead of seventh-place Orlando.

His absence is a significant setback for Milwaukee. The team holds a 21-10 record when Portis scores at least 10 points this season but is just 8-14 when he falls short of that mark. Additionally, they are 2-5 in games he has missed, with all five losses by at least 10 points.

“This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team,” Bucks General Manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “He and the Bucks organization respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what’s been handed down. But we 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a better and stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team. He’s an integral part of who we are, a huge member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.”

The suspension comes at a time when the Bucks were finally nearing full strength after a series of trade deadline moves, including sending three-time All-Star Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had missed Milwaukee’s last six games before the All-Star break due to a strained left calf but returned to practice on Wednesday. However, he has yet to play alongside new acquisitions Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims, all of whom joined the team at the deadline.

Following Wednesday’s practice, Portis addressed the media and was asked about his excitement for seeing how the team would perform once everyone was available.

“The trade deadline was a couple of weeks ago and we are just now being able to see what it looks like,” Portis said. “I think it’s kind of fun for us going forward, especially just to pick the game apart, figure out what everybody does well and try to make it mold into one.”

Portis is in his 10th NBA season, with half of that time spent in Milwaukee. He was a key contributor to the Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship run and represented USA Basketball at the 2023 World Cup in Manila.

He remains one of just four players from Milwaukee’s title-winning squad still on the roster, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans,” Portis said in his statement. “I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time. I will continue to work hard and be ready for our long playoff run. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than you know.”

If the Cleveland Cavaliers have one challenge to address after their 44-10 record heading into the All-Star break, it’s managing their deep roster in the playoffs.

Coach Kenny Atkinson has consistently relied on a 10- to 12-man rotation during the regular season, allowing rookie Jaylon Tyson to carve out a role while keeping the team’s stars fresh. Only Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley play more than 30 minutes per game, with Jarrett Allen averaging 28.9.

This balanced approach has fueled Cleveland’s success, enhancing their three-point shooting and maintaining energy levels. The return of Max Strus from injury bolstered the Cavs’ wing depth, while De’Andre Hunter has impressed from beyond the arc.

However, the postseason demands a tighter rotation, raising a key question: Who will be the odd man out?

Benching any Cavalier seems difficult, as even end-of-rotation players like Tyson contribute in short bursts. While the core four benefits from the team’s depth, playoff basketball requires tough decisions. Given Tyson’s inexperience, he’s the most likely to see reduced minutes. Beyond him, two more rotational players appear to be at risk as Cleveland adjusts to the demands of the postseason.

Sam Merrill is too unreliable

Last season, Sam Merrill was a rare bright spot on the perimeter for a Cleveland team that struggled with shooting consistency. He was the only Cavalier to surpass 40% from three and thrived in pin-down actions, making him a dangerous weapon.

However, Merrill is no longer an unknown threat. Opponents have adjusted by applying more pressure on the arc, exposing his lack of athleticism and strength. Without his three-point shot falling, his offensive impact is minimal. While he has improved defensively, staying more disciplined on assignments, he is still likely to be phased out come playoff time.

Coach Kenny Atkinson has utilized Merrill effectively this season, but with Max Strus and De’Andre Hunter commanding wing minutes, his role has diminished. His three-point percentage has dropped to 36.1%, and his limited versatility makes it difficult to justify a significant role in the rotation.

Merrill’s reduced playoff minutes seem inevitable. Strus’ return has absorbed many of his opportunities, and Ty Jerome’s emergence has solidified the backcourt depth. While Merrill could still provide an occasional offensive spark, he is unlikely to be a major factor in Cleveland’s postseason plans.

The Cavaliers don’t need Isaac Okoro enough

Despite a strong mid-season surge, Isaac Okoro may not be the piece Cleveland needs in the playoffs. He has been the Cavaliers’ primary defensive stopper since his rookie year, but with the team’s evolving defensive schemes, his role is less vital than before.

Cleveland’s defensive success stems from a combination of zone and man-to-man coverage, relying on team buy-in rather than individual stoppers. With De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade likely handling big defensive assignments, Okoro’s presence is less crucial.

To his credit, Okoro has made offensive strides, shooting 39.7% from three this season. However, he attempts just 2.8 threes per game, making him less of a volume threat compared to Cleveland’s other wings. Given the Cavs’ depth, his offensive limitations could outweigh his defensive contributions.

The acquisition of Hunter may have sealed Okoro’s fate. A forward rotation of Hunter, Max Strus, and Wade will likely dominate playoff minutes, while Ty Jerome fills a key backcourt role. Atkinson’s preference for depth means Okoro may see minutes early in the postseason, but as the rotation tightens, his role will likely diminish.

As difficult as it is to phase out players who helped shape Cleveland’s rise, the Cavs must make tough choices to maximize their championship potential.