The Golden State Warriors are navigating multiple tense situations as they attempt to move up the Western Conference standings. The speculation around forward Jonathan Kuminga has become a major headline following another disconnect between him and Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr.
Jimmy Butler III’s season-ending ACL tear only adds to the pressure. Despite the tension surrounding Kerr and his ability to get the Warriors back on top, an NBA champion recently came to his defense, offering a strong response to his critics.
Richard Jefferson Calls Out Steve Kerr’s Critics Amid Warriors Tension
NBA Champion Richard Jefferson discussed the Warriors’ current dynamic on the Road Trippin’ Show, and praised Kerr while taking a shot at his critics. Jefferson said, “Hey look, you in the wrong chat if you’re gonna be talking bad about Steve Kerr. Let me just be very very clear. Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league. If the argument is Steve Kerr vs Kuminga, and y’all are trying to choose, like that dynamic, let me help you out.
“Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in this league, he’s been a proven, he’s been a proven winner, the man’s got what, 10 championships? Shut Up. If you think you know more than somebody with 10 championships, if you think you know more than that man and his experience, then we can’t have a conversation.”
Richard Jefferson fires back at people who think they can criticize Steve Kerr over Kuminga situation
“Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches in the league. If the argument is Steve Kerr vs Kuminga, and yall are trying to choose that dynamic, let me help you out. Steve Kerr is… pic.twitter.com/0emMapATHQ
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 20, 2026
While the Warriors have won seven of their last ten games, they remain in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament race. Kerr’s rocky relationship with Kuminga has seemingly reached the breaking point, overshadowing the team over the last few weeks.
The former lottery pick hasn’t played in a month, and he officially requested a trade last week. There have been rumors for years that Kuminga believes he’ll never reach his potential playing for Kerr. Kerr’s usage of Kuminga over the years has drawn plenty of criticism, though Jefferson feels Kerr has earned the benefit of the doubt because of his success.
While Kerr removed Kuminga from the rotation, 2021 first-round pick Moses Moody has taken a step forward this season, averaging a career high 10.7 points per game, while shooting a career high 39.5% from three.
Rookie guard Will Richard has also given the Warriors quality minutes despite being a late second-round pick. Jefferson may cite Moody’s development and Richard’s production as signs that Kerr knows what he is doing.
However, things will get tougher following Butler III’s season-ending injury. With Kerr in the final year of his current contract, the Warriors’ future feels uncertain. Jefferson believes it’s wrong to bet against Kerr figuring it out.
