The Golden State Warriors are still looking for their ideal starting lineup amid a trying 2025-26 season. For now, according to Steve Kerr, that potential unit may not involve Jonathan Kuminga; however, the legendary head coach believes that the 23-year-old can earn back his spot.
The Golden State Warriors currently sit at 10-9, which is good enough for eighth in a loaded Western Conference. Kerr’s team is struggling with a few familiar weaknesses, specifically its offensive efficiency outside of Stephen Curry, who is having another phenomenal season.
Steve Kerr Clarified How Jonathan Kuminga Can Break Back Into the Warriors’ Starting Five
One player who can help ease the scoring load off of the all-time great point guard’s shoulders is Jonathan Kuminga. The fifth-year forward is averaging 13.8 points per game, but he’s missed the last six games with bilateral knee tendonitis. In addition, Kuminga was benched in his most recent game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 12.
In a recent interview on the “Willard & Dibs” show, Steve Kerr detailed a conversation he had with Kuminga, explaining that the 23-year-old’s spot in the starting rotation is currently up for grabs.
“I’ve spoken with JK. We talked on the trip after he went out,” Kerr said. “We’re on the same page. We’re both trying for the same thing. There’s always frustration for players when they go out of the starting lineup…coming off the San Antonio win we’re going to continue to stay with what we’re doing, but that could change at any moment.”
More from Kerr on Kuminga:
“I’ve spoken with JK. We talked on the trip after he went out… We’re on the same page. We’re both trying for the same thing. There’s always frustration for players when they go out of the starting lineup.”
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“That’s always my approach. If we’re doing well, we’re gonna stick with it, and then we have to adapt and adjust from there. That’s the case in this particular equation with JK. When he does come back, assuming we’re still playing pretty well, I’ll bring him off the bench. He’s gotta earn his way back into the starting lineup,” Kerr added.
Ever since the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler last offseason, there have been continuous questions about Kuminga’s role on the Warriors. Kerr has even publicly acknowledged concerns about how he fits with the team’s new core, which explains why the dynamic forward saw uneven minutes during last season’s playoff run.
This uncertainty has caused significant friction over the past year, and many were surprised when Kuminga eventually re-signed with the Warriors this offseason. The former No. 7 overall pick’s two-year, $48.5 million contract extension, however, hasn’t quelled tensions between him and Kerr, according to some reports.
Overall, the Warriors do not have the talent ceiling of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers. This roster, as currently constructed, has to be fully in sync to both return to the playoffs and have any chance of making a deep run in the West.
Kerr’s comments on Kuminga needing to earn a spot back in the starting rotation are fair, but the Warriors need their talented wing to be at his very best to contend for anything. And if Kuminga doesn’t up his production, he could be on the trading block very soon.
