“Combination Has Not Been Great”- Steve Kerr’s Words Hint at Uncertain Future for Jonathan Kuminga
The Golden State Warriors survived a play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies and advanced to the postseason. The game plan now has to be perfected as the franchise can’t ever rely on ‘survival’ and will look to be dominant on the floor. Keeping this in mind, Steve Kerr had some tough decisions to make, and in reality, he started working on it well before the conclusion of the regular season. As per reports, four-year veteran forward Jonathan Kuminga will see his game time reduced.
Yes, it was a hard decision considering Kuminga’s contributions to the franchise. The fearless rookie played a key role in the 2022 title-winning run, and although he struggled a bit due to injuries, the Congolese star made a strong return. But Coach Kerr had to think about the team first and make decisions accordingly.
In a recent interview, Kerr explained the situation.
“I have to read what we need. I have to read who’s playing well together. And to be very frank, the Jimmy / JK (Kuminga) combination has not been great and that’s the tricky part here.”
Kerr said to 95.7 The Game’s Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “And I’m playing Jimmy 40 minutes a night because Jimmy is, he’s one of the very best players in the league. And there’s a reason we’re here and we’re in the seventh seed… And the reason is Jimmy and so my job as a coach is to keep the team on a path that I think gives us the best chance to win. And for now, that’s why I’ve been leaning into the lineups that I have.”
Yes, it’s obvious to choose Jimmy Butler over Kuminga, and his recent performance against the Grizzlies was an indication of his capabilities. Everyone knows ‘playoff Jimmy’ and the Warriors will need him for the deep run in the 2024-25 postseason.
As for Kuminga, his expiring contract puts him in a difficult situation. The Warriors enjoyed the luxury tax exception because of Kuminga’s rookie contract, and now he is eligible for the improved contract. The Warriors, under a $150 million obligation to five of their star players, will not be able to keep him on the roster.
Is Golden State Warriors Once Again Title Contenders With Jimmy Butler in Lineup?
Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, and the Golden State Warriors of the 2014-15 season. Everyone knew they were contenders, and the side delivered on the hardwood. Since then, the Bay Area side won three more titles, reaching six finals in seven postseason appearances – all in 11 years. Pretty impressive. But now the team only has Stephen Curry and Draymond Green of that winning generation, and they need another star to quickly fit into the system.
Also Read: How Miami Heat’s Play-In Results Could Impact Their First-Round Draft Picks.
Enter Jimmy Butler. An adaptable and impactful superstar joined the Warriors midway through the 2024-25 season. Kuminga’s injury handed him more game time, and the former Heat star stunned with his production right from the start. The Warriors went 12-2 in the first 14 games, and when Kuminga returned to the lineup, they were 10-5.
The impact was visible in the games, and Kuminga was benched for the final games against the Clippers and Grizzlies. Though the Warriors lost against the Clippers, the win against the Grizzlies in the Play-in match had more weight. Butler’s 38-point performance just highlighted what the Warriors fanbase can expect from him.
Moreover, Jimmy Butler now has 31 games of experience in Steve Kerr’s system and knows his role. Averaging around 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, Butler is a great defensive player on the floor. And Butler has massive experience in the postseason deep runs and could play a clutch-player role efficiently. While there are 5 top sides contending for the title this season, the Warriors with Butler could be a close sixth one.
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