Kuminga’s role became inconsistent and primarily as a reserve after the Warriors acquired star forward Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline last season. Kerr said he understands Kuminga’s thirst for more, but hopes his focus is on winning regardless of his role. Kuminga said he believes his role is “to rebound, play defense and run the floor,” and he doesn’t “stress myself about it or think about” his uncertain minutes from game to game. Kuminga didn’t start in this season’s first two preseason games, but he did play a prominent reserve role.
“I don’t ask [Kerr] about roles because I know what he is going to tell me,” Kuminga told Andscape. “I don’t waste my energy. I choose not to ask because nobody is going to tell me. It’s whatever. 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.”