Jonathan Kuminga has been with the Warriors for almost four years, but his journey hasn’t been smooth. From the start, fitting into Steve Kerr’s pass-heavy, motion offense was a challenge, and an average of around 12 points per game in his Warriors jersey since 2021 adds value to the cry. Kuminga prefers attacking one-on-one, using his athleticism to drive or pull up mid-range. That’s not exactly Kerr’s style. The coach prefers for only Stephen Curry to take such risks with the quick shots, and wants others to be thoughtful with the ball, something which Kuminga likes to do too. Then came a sprained ankle—bad timing, right? While Kuminga was sidelined, Jimmy Butler showed up and fit right in. Fans started cheering louder, but what does it mean for Kuminga?

When Butler was traded to Golden State in February, everything changed. He didn’t just bring star power, he brought results. In just a few weeks, Butler became a fan favorite, putting up big numbers while barely dribbling. His movement off the ball, his feel for the game, it clicked instantly. Coach Kerr saw it too. With Butler averaging 44 minutes in recent games, Kuminga found himself behind Moody, Payton, and even Gui Santos. Suddenly, minutes weren’t just limited: they were gone.

On a recent episode of Time Out with Dwyane Wade, the topic of Kuminga came up. Wade asked, “Why he’s not on the floor?” and Dorell Wright didn’t sugarcoat it and pointed out how his playstyle is causing him to be on the sidelines. Wright emphasized Kuminga’s talent but said, “He doesn’t understand when you throw it to the post, you got to cut.” Wright acknowledged Kuminga’s talent but emphasized his struggles within the Warriors’ system. “Because he’s a young fella, and he knows how good he is, and he’s very talented. He’s very good. But he just doesn’t play within the system,” Wright said.

The discussion didn’t stop there. Wade questioned Kuminga’s understanding after three or four years in the system, prompting Coach Chris Johnson to explain, “Golden State, moving the ball for 12 to 14 seconds if they’re not getting an initial. You got to move without the ball.” Wade then praised Butler’s ability to thrive in that system, noting how even without relying on isolation, Butler consistently made the right plays.

Udonis Haslem also joined in and stated that even though he has played defense against players like LeBron, Butler has proven to be the most challenging for him. He claimed, “Jimmy is probably the smartest offensive player I’ve ever had to play. Maybe he didn’t have their talent and their skill set, but he is very smart.” With Butler’s performance, Kuminga’s position in the team has become less essential. And as Kerr continues to prioritize players who fit within the Warriors’ system, Kuminga’s role seems increasingly uncertain.

A tense wait for Jonathan Kuminga’s future in Golden State

The Golden State Warriors have had a rollercoaster season, but the decision to bench Jonathan Kuminga in crucial games has stirred the most debate. As the Warriors fought for a better playoff spot, the young forward was left out entirely in a significant game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the Warriors’ narrow loss, coach Steve Kerr opted for a rotation he felt would give the team the best chance to succeed, notably including veterans like Gary Payton II over Kuminga.

Kerr’s explanation for keeping Kuminga on the bench was simple yet telling: he believed the lineup with the other experienced players and Kuminga just didn’t work. “The lineup with Jimmy [Butler], Draymond [Green], and JK doesn’t work—we need spacing,” Kerr stated, acknowledging the importance of having a balanced, effective lineup for the team’s playoff push.

The Warriors’ success with Butler’s seamless integration only reinforced Kerr’s stance. Kuminga, on the other hand, had to watch from the sidelines, his role increasingly in question. While Kerr didn’t directly address the situation, his actions spoke volumes. The conversation around Kuminga’s future with Golden State has only intensified since then.

Though Kerr has opted for a veteran-heavy lineup in the postseason, the situation remains fluid. Kuminga’s athleticism and talent are undeniable, but his struggles to fit into Kerr’s system have been a recurring theme. With each high-stakes game, the pressure mounts for Kerr to decide whether Kuminga’s development is worth the risk of disrupting the team’s rhythm.

As the Warriors move forward into the playoffs, Kerr’s decisions remain a point of contention. Will Kuminga get a chance to prove himself in the postseason? Or will Kerr continue to rely on a lineup that excludes the young forward? The Warriors need every available player to contribute in their playoff run, and Kuminga’s role is still uncertain. But if Kerr’s reluctance to integrate Kuminga continues, it may be the beginning of the end of his time with the Warriors.