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.
