A former NBA player Austin Rivers strongly criticized the Warriors for how they have handled Jonathan Kuminga, calling his benching unfair despite his scoring ability. Kuminga has not played in weeks, has become trade eligible, and has already requested a move as the deadline approaches.
Austin Rivers did not hold back when discussing the Golden State Warriors and their handling of Jonathan Kuminga.
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
Speaking on his Off Guard podcast, the former NBA guard delivered strong criticism and questioned how the forward has been treated this season.
“The Jonathan Kuminga situation is complete bullsh*t,” Rivers said on his podcast. “The way they have treated Kuminga is something that I haven’t seen in quite a while. This is a 20-point per game caliber player. I know this because he’s done it. When guys were hurt, he literally averaged 20 plus for a month and some change.”
Rivers focused on Kuminga’s scoring ability and argued that the Warriors are wasting a player who can produce when given minutes. He pointed to past performances, including a playoff game last season where Kuminga scored 30 points off the bench.
“Kuminga is a freak talent and athlete!” Rivers continued. “How the hell can this guy not get a minute on a sorry ass Warriors team?! It drives me crazy!”
Credit AP - Scanpix
According to Rivers, the issue goes beyond basketball decisions. He questioned why Kuminga remains on the bench while other players continue to see regular minutes.
“I’m watching Podziemski, Moody, a bunch of other random players, and those guys are good. Pat Spencer plays before Kuminga! He hasn’t played in 14 games. He’s 6-foot-8 and is a scorer. The Warriors half the time struggle scoring, and they have a 20-point-per-game player who sits at the end of the bench because the coach doesn’t like him.”
Kuminga has not played since December 18 against the Phoenix Suns, despite being healthy and practicing with the team. He became trade eligible on January 15 and has already requested a trade, with the Warriors now having until the February 5 trade deadline to decide his future.
The forward opened the season as a starter and appeared in the first 12 games, but has not seen the floor in the Warriors’ last 13 contests. This season, he is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in around 24 minutes per game.
Golden State spent much of the offseason working on a new deal for Kuminga before agreeing to a two-year, $46.8 million contract with a team option for the second season.
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