Jonathan Kuminga Will Remain In Warriors’ Starting Lineup Permanently
Jonathan Kuminga has earned a place in the Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup indefinitely with his strong play to begin the 2025-26 season. Kuminga’s status with the Warriors was an open question heading into the season after his contracted restricted free agency resulted in a two-year, $46.8 million contract.
“He’ll be our starter going forward,” Steve Kerr said before Tuesday’s game. “He’s been fantastic. Last night we put him on Ja [Morant]. Tonight we’ll put him on James Harden. I think he’s ready.”
Kuminga had sought a consistent role with the Warriors for years and was part of the reason why he pursued an exit from the team in restricted free agency.
Kuminga is averaging 16.2 points on 53.7 percent three-point shooting.
“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.”
Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are the other set starters, while Kerr will rotate Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post into the fifth spot when Al Horford rests.
“You’ve hardly seen any of the mid-shot clock, 17-foot pullups [from Kuminga],” Kerr said. “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. The combination of Jimmy and Draymond and JK wasn’t great last year, but because of all the improvements JK has made, his passing, it’s just really clicking. So we’re going to stay with that.”