Quick Read
- Jonathan Kuminga has been named a permanent starter for the Warriors after impressive early-season performances.
- Kuminga averaged 16.2 points, 53.7% shooting, and 37 rebounds over his first five games.
- He signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract this summer after testing restricted free agency.
- Coach Steve Kerr praised Kuminga’s defensive assignments and improved chemistry with Butler and Green.
Jonathan Kuminga: From Contract Uncertainty to Warriors Starter
Just weeks ago, Jonathan Kuminga’s role with the Golden State Warriors hung in the balance. The fifth-year wing, entering this NBA season after a summer of uncertainty, found himself at the center of contract negotiations, trade rumors, and questions about where he fit in coach Steve Kerr’s plans. Now, after a string of breakout performances, Kuminga has not only secured his spot in the starting lineup but has become a central figure in the Warriors’ early success.
How Kuminga Earned His Place: Performance on the Court
Coach Steve Kerr made it clear before the season that only three starting spots were guaranteed: those belonging to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. The other two positions, he insisted, would be fluid, rotating based on matchups and player performance. But Kuminga’s play in the opening five games forced Kerr’s hand.
“He’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr said before the Warriors’ 98-79 win over the Clippers, as reported by ESPN. “He’s been fantastic.” Kuminga’s assignment: taking on the opponent’s best perimeter scorer each night—a testament to both his defensive growth and the trust Kerr now places in him.
Over those five games, Kuminga has posted averages that speak for themselves: 16.2 points per game on an efficient 53.7% shooting, with 7 made three-pointers out of 16 attempts. Perhaps more notably, he’s grabbed 37 rebounds—his most ever in any five-game stretch—and brought a relentless energy to the court.
“The way he’s rebounding, the way he’s attacking the rim, that’s what makes him special,” Kerr said. “When he’s playing to that talent, to that ability, it changes our team.”
A Summer of Uncertainty: Contract Talks and Trade Rumors
Kuminga’s journey to this starting role wasn’t straightforward. Last season, he craved more minutes and a consistent spot in the lineup. This summer, he tested restricted free agency, searching for a team willing to promise him greater opportunity. The Warriors, though, weren’t ready to let go. They rejected sign-and-trade offers from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, ultimately bringing Kuminga back on a two-year, $46.8 million contract. Importantly, there was no guarantee he’d get the starting role he wanted.
In fact, most observers assumed Kuminga would begin the year as a bench player, especially with veteran Al Horford still in the mix and Moses Moody penciled in for a starting spot. But Horford’s minutes were limited by design, and Moody suffered a calf injury in training camp, opening a door for Kuminga. He didn’t just walk through it—he sprinted.
The Impact: Chemistry and Early-Season Success
The Warriors have surged to a 4-1 record, with Kuminga, Butler, and Green sharing the floor for a total of 74 minutes. During those stretches, Golden State has outscored opponents by 37 points—a sign that the chemistry is working, and Kuminga’s improvements are making a tangible difference.
Last year, Kerr hesitated to play Kuminga, Butler, and Green together, citing concerns about floor spacing. But recent data and Kuminga’s development have shifted his perspective. “You’ve hardly seen any of the mid-shot clock, 17-foot pullups [from Kuminga],” Kerr noted. “You’re seeing him being much more purposeful, getting the ball to Jimmy, getting the ball to Steph, attacking the rim. He’s really putting a lot of pressure on people.”
It’s not just scoring, either. Kuminga’s passing and decision-making have noticeably improved, allowing the Warriors to maximize their new lineup’s potential. The fifth starter spot will continue to rotate between Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post, depending on the matchup, but Kuminga’s place is now cemented.
Looking Ahead: A Turning Point for Kuminga and the Warriors
Kuminga’s rise is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a strategic shift for Golden State. With a young, athletic wing now consistently contributing on both ends of the floor, the Warriors have diversified their attack and strengthened their defense. His ability to guard elite perimeter players gives Kerr flexibility, while his offensive efficiency helps balance the scoring load alongside stars like Curry and Butler.
For Kuminga, this season represents a new chapter. After years of seeking a larger role and facing doubts about his fit, he’s finally earned the trust of his coach and teammates. The journey, marked by uncertainty and perseverance, now points toward opportunity and responsibility—and the chance to help the Warriors contend in a challenging Western Conference.
Kuminga’s emergence as a starter is a testament to his resilience and growth, but it also highlights the Warriors’ willingness to adapt and reward performance over reputation. In a league where opportunity can be fleeting, Kuminga seized his moment—and changed the narrative of his career.