Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with the Golden State Warriors has been difficult for the past year. However, both the player and the team began the 2025-26 NBA season as if none of that mattered. Despite winning four out of their first five games, things have changed, and Kuminga feels like the Warriors’ scapegoat again.
Knee soreness has caused Kuminga to miss the last four games. What’s worse, just before he got injured, the youngster lost his starting spot. Apparently, that is what has led to the negative feelings in this situation. NBA insider Anthony Slater elaborated further on the issues in his latest report.
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“The Warriors lost five of their next seven. Kuminga’s turnovers spiked, and his performance dipped,” Slater wrote for ESPN. “Searching for rotation answers, Kerr demoted Kuminga back to a bench role, reopening old wounds. ‘He feels like the scapegoat again,’ one team source said.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“For the Warriors to reach their ceiling this season, there’s an internal belief that Kuminga, even in a condensed role, must shake off some of his built-up resentment and get back to the impact wing from the first couple of weeks.”
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In his first nine games this season, Kuminga averaged 17.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Those are elite numbers, and no one would question him if he could maintain them for longer. As of now, though, it seems like his relationship with the Warriors is once again on shaky ground.
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