Kerr Hints at Kuminga’s Return to the Rotation
After Wednesday’s practice session, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered a surprise update regarding Jonathan Kuminga’s status within the team. “I can tell you JK has been great this last week as he’s been out of the rotation,” Kerr shared with reporters. “He’s been working really hard and I’m going to reward that. He needs to be back out there.” This statement marks a significant shift for Kuminga, who has been sidelined with the “did not play, coach’s decision” label for the last three games.
Kuminga’s Perspective on Being Benched
Following his benching against the Bulls on December 7, Kuminga addressed the situation with a calm demeanor. “We just switched certain things. That’s all,” he explained, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater. When asked about the duration of this change, Kuminga remained noncommittal, stating, “I’m not really sure (how long it lasts), but as long as things are working out there and we’re winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything.” At that point, the Warriors had just secured two consecutive victories, even without the presence of key players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The team was riding high, and the atmosphere was optimistic.
Vibes Diminish Following Recent Losses
However, the optimism was short-lived. In the following games, the Warriors struggled to maintain their momentum. Against the Timberwolves, they held a narrow three-point lead with less than two minutes remaining, only to falter in the closing moments. The situation worsened on Sunday when they found themselves with a five-point advantage against the Trail Blazers, but once again, they were unable to seal the deal. This particular defeat was particularly disheartening, as Curry put on a spectacular performance, scoring 48 points and sinking 12 three-pointers. Yet, even his remarkable efforts weren’t enough to secure a win.
As the team faces mounting challenges, Kerr’s acknowledgment of Kuminga’s hard work may signal a rejuvenated role for the young forward in the rotation, potentially offering the Warriors a much-needed boost in their pursuit of consistent success. Further updates on this developing situation are anticipated as the team seeks to regain its footing.
