The Golden State Warriors sit just one game over .500 at 19-18, which ranks eighth in the Western Conference. Head coach Steve Kerr consistently shifts his rotation to find lineups that fit together. None of these adjustments involves Jonathan Kuminga on the floor, who has remained out of the rotation for the majority of the campaign. However, multiple former NBA veterans believe Kerr and the Warriors should give the 23-year-old a chance.
Chandler Parsons and DeMarcus Cousins Believe Jonathan Kuminga Deserves To Be on the Floor
In a recent episode of FanDuel’s “Run It Back,” DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons expressed their thoughts on Kuminga’s situation.
“How does this Kuminga situation get better? Clearly, it’s not working without him. At this point, how do you not throw him in the lineup and give him a chance? … You’re not winning without him. What’s the worst that can happen?” expressed Parsons.
Kuminga played 18 games this season, averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He played a key role over the season’s first 12 games until suffering a knee injury. Since he recovered, Kuminga has appeared in just five of the last 17 games.
Kuminga shoots 32% from beyond the arc on 2.8 attempts, which shrinks the Warriors’ spacing- a critical component to their high-powered 3-point offense. While his athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to put the ball on the floor remain intriguing, his perimeter struggles hinder Golden State’s offensive ceiling.
Kuminga, a restricted free agent last summer, declined Golden State’s $7.9 million qualifying offer, resulting in a long standoff that lasted right until training camp. He eventually signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal to stay in Golden State right before the 2025-26 campaign.
The contract includes a team option for next season, but it is clear that Kuminga, the coaching staff, and the front office do not see eye-to-eye. His name floats around the trade rumor mill, and he becomes trade eligible on Jan. 15.
Both NBA veterans urge Kerr to put Kuminga back in the rotation, even just to increase his trade value. “At least get his value up … I just don’t understand that situation … I get his game and hit fit and everything, but he deserves to be on the floor,” said Parsons.
Cousins echoed this sentiment, presenting a bold claim. The former All-Star center believes Kerr “is the problem in this scenario.”
Kerr, undoubtedly, has one of the best resumes in head coaching history. He owns four championship rings, leading the Warriors to five straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019. However, as the Warriors’ dynasty in the Stephen Curry era wanes, it will be interesting to see if the franchise takes a different coaching direction over the next few seasons.
