African basketball sensation Jonathan Kuminga had a topsy-turvy offseason, during which his camp and the Golden State Warriors were caught in a lengthy stalemate regarding some specifics of his contract extension. His lengthy contract saga came to a fitting end on September 30 when he agreed to sign a two-year contract extension worth $48.5 million.
Kuminga immediately joined his Warriors’ teammates at training camp and began preparing for the 2025-26 NBA campaign. While the Congolese didn’t start either of the two preseason games, he made a considerable impact from the bench in both games. While the star forward is busy training, he is still unsure about his role in the upcoming campaign.
Jonathan Kuminga Is Not Bothered by His Role in the 2025–26 NBA Season
As the new season approaches, Kuminga’s exact role in the squad remains in limbo, but that does not deter the young Congolese’s spirits. He is unfazed by such thought processes and remains steadfast in training hard with his teammates for the upcoming campaign.
Jonathan Kuminga on his role on the Warriors
“I don’t ask [Kerr] about roles because I know what he is going to tell me. I don’t waste my energy. I choose not to ask because nobody is going to tell me. It’s whatever.”
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Reflecting on the same, Kuminga said, “I don’t ask [Kerr] about roles because I know what he is going to tell me. I don’t waste my energy. I choose not to ask because nobody is going to tell me. It’s whatever.”
He added, “You just have to find ways to do things when you get out there. Make plays, defend. I don’t have a consistent role. I just play a role where I make sure I play defense and run the floor.”
The Warriors signed star forward Jimmy Butler in a midseason trade last season. Butler’s acquisition led to questions about Kuminga’s role and playing time on court, as Jimmy is a far more experienced player than the 23-year-old.
Knowing Kuminga’s thirst for more game time on the court, head coach Steve Kerr hoped that the Congolese would focus more on winning than on his role on the team.
Reflecting on the same, Kerr said, “He’s made it pretty clear that he wants the ball and an opportunity that a lot of his cohorts get and people that were drafted near him… So, it’s been tough. I respect the fact that he is competing and fighting in a set of circumstances that maybe isn’t ideal for him. But I keep telling him he can play a role for us, absolutely, with his size, speed, and athleticism.”
He added, “He can play an important role on a very good team. He just turned 23 [on Monday]. He has plenty of basketball ahead. One day, hopefully, he will look back on this as a valuable time in his career. But I know he’s frustrated. He’s made it very clear publicly. I don’t mind that, but I want him to embrace the idea that he can be a part of something special.”
The Warriors can only hope that Kuminga understands and fits into any role that the team wants him to in the 2025-26 NBA season, and that they can keep a hold of their rising star come January 15, when he will become trade-eligible ahead of the February deadline.
