Steve Kerr’s recent remarks about Jonathan Kuminga suggest the young forward’s future with the Golden State Warriors may be in doubt.
Kuminga is once again facing an uphill battle with the Golden State Warriors, and it could be argued that things are even more difficult for him this season than they were last year.
He began the season strongly, but struggled to maintain his form, which eventually cost him his place in the starting line-up.
The organisation has made it clear that consistency is a big need from Kuminga, something he has not quite managed to deliver yet.
Kerr has now acknowledged that he is partially responsible for the difficult position the 23-year-old star currently faces this season.
Steve Kerr admits the team’s approach to Jonathan Kuminga has been unfair
Speaking ahead of the Golden State Warriors’ clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kerr addressed the situation surrounding Kuminga.
The 60-year-old coach spoke about how some of Kuminga’s struggles can be traced back to his own choices as head coach, even if those decisions were made with the team’s interests in mind.
“He had a great practice today. We had a talk before practice. He did the things I asked him to do, and I was thrilled about that.
“There are a lot of young players, not just JK, around the league who have to find themselves. They have to figure out who they are as a player.
“I think that’s important for JK. Every experience is an important one. I keep coaching him. We have a good relationship,” he continued.
“The combinations, the fits, all of that stuff has been going on for a few years, we know that, and I’m not going to shy away from that. I think it’s pretty obvious.
“I do feel for him that he has been sort of at the whim of my decision-making based on what I want to see from our team.”
Steve Kerr suggests Jonathan Kuminga’s future may lie away from the Warriors
With the January 15th trade eligibility date approaching, Kerr opened up on the growing talk around Kuminga potentially being moved.
Kerr made it clear that his focus is on Kuminga’s overall growth as a player, whether that ends up being in Golden State or somewhere else. He also pointed out that very few players spend their entire career with one team.
“I can imagine it’s not easy. We’ve talked about the situation. My desire is for JK to be the best player he can be, regardless of where he ends up, here or elsewhere.
“I tell my guys a lot, there are so few players who end up playing for one team. It rarely happens… None of us knows what’s going to happen… This is part of being in the league…”
Kerr’s remarks appeared supportive at face value, but they hinted at a move being likely.
The reference to players rarely spending their whole careers in one place seemed intentional, and it would come as no surprise if Kuminga was on the move soon after becoming eligible.
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