Warriors head coach Steve Kerr appears to have made some key decisions regarding the lineup as the team wraps up its preseason. Jonathan Kuminga, who has shown steady improvement over his three years with Golden State, is positioning himself as a strong candidate for the starting small forward role. Kerr likened Kuminga’s growth to “the stock market over 10 years,” referencing the player’s rising scoring average—from 9.3 points in his rookie season to 16.1 points this preseason—driven by an increase in shot attempts and improved confidence in his three-point shooting.
After a recent matchup, Kerr commended Kuminga’s poise from beyond the arc, saying, “He’s shooting the three much more confidently…getting better balance on his shot.” This newfound consistency could help solidify Kuminga’s place in the starting lineup, particularly if Kerr can rely on a sharp-shooting backup.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield has been impressive off the bench, with Kerr praising him as a potential sixth man. “He looks the part, doesn’t he?… We need a scorer off the bench, and he’s been fantastic,” Kerr noted, excited about the depth Hield adds to the lineup. As a reliable scorer with immediate impact, Hield’s role off the bench gives the Warriors flexibility, ensuring scoring support for Kuminga.
The Warriors’ lineup developments reflect Kerr’s strategic moves to balance the roster, as he looks to leverage Kuminga’s growth and Hield’s veteran scoring ability for the upcoming season.
