From being a starter to a DNP player, Kerr has been disappointed about his failed plans for Kuminga in Golden State
As questions and speculations continue to swirl amid trade rumors, Steve Kerr has always been transparent in his thoughts regarding Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga
MIN: 24.75
PTS: 11.78 (50.21%)
REB: 6.17
As: 2.56
ST: 0.28
BL: 0.33
TO: 2.44
GM: 18
As such, he is also dismayed about how everything didn't work out according to his plan for Kuminga and the Warriors before the season began.
"Well, I'm disappointed for him that things didn't continue to go the way they did the first couple of weeks. At the same time, it was going to be tricky to start JK, Jimmy, Draymond at the two-three-four," Kerr said in pregame of the Warriors' Friday match against the Sacramento Kings. "I think anyone can see that's a tough five-man combination based on shooting. Sometimes Steph can just offset every spacing obstacle in your way, he's that good.
"But in the modern NBA, I think it's going to be tough to do that. And I think we recognized that."
After he signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract last September, expectations were high for Kuminga as he rejoined the Warriors. He found himself as part of the team's starting lineup along with franchise stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, helping Golden State to a strong 4-1 season start.
But as the team struggled and injuries occurred, Kuminga gradually lost his starting gig and contributing role within the Warriors. He was subjected to strings of DNPs and hasn't played a game since mid-December.
As a result, the trade saga around Kuminga has been reopened. Expectations are high that he'll get moved once he becomes eligible to be traded by Jan. 15, wherein the Kings are the only suitor of the young forward.
"We gave that lineup several weeks, and eventually, I think the weaknesses of the lineup were exposed," Kerr added.
"That's why we went in a different direction."
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