The Golden State Warriors, a team known for cohesion and championship pedigree, now find themselves grappling with an all-too-familiar dilemma: how to keep pace with their dynasty’s core while developing the next generation.
At the center of this tension is Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old forward whose growth on the court is beginning to outpace his role in the rotation.
Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins recently reignited the conversation, calling out head coach Steve Kerr on Run It Back for his handling of Kuminga and other young players.
“I think they lost command. I think Steve Kerr ruined that relationship with the DNPs,” Cousins said, referencing the coach’s tendency to bench young players. “We’ve seen this happen time and time again when it comes to him and dealing with young talent. He just doesn’t handle young talent well.”
Cousins cited Jordan Poole-the most notable young success story under Kerr-as an example of talent that eventually fled the Bay. “They ran him off his will,” he added, fueling speculation that Kuminga could be next in line to walk.
Kerr pushes for a reset, but doubts remain
In a rare moment of transparency, Kerr addressed Kuminga’s future head-on during a media session.
Rather than dodge criticism, the coach acknowledged the stakes: “Well, I mean, he’s definitely capable of doing that here. And that’s obviously what we’re going to be focused on, you know, as a coaching staff.”
Kerr revealed that Kuminga‘s commitment has taken a noticeable turn. “JK told me he’s going to be around here a lot more this summer. He hasn’t been around our facility much the last couple summers, but he’s got a couple of young girls. He’s much more settled down now, wants to be in one place.”
That sense of stability might be the foundation Kerr needs to reestablish trust. But the coach didn’t sugarcoat what comes next. “We’re going to hammer home those points with him,” Kerr said.
“All those loose balls, all those long rebounds… with his athleticism, those are plays for him to help us win. He’s got to get those rebounds. He’s got to chase down those loose balls. He’s got to run the floor, sprint the floor.”
For Kuminga, the message is clear: if he wants to cement his place within Golden State’s championship core, it starts with hustle, not headlines.
A breakout season clouded by uncertainty
Kuminga delivered a strong campaign in 2024-25, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting over 47 games.
A lingering ankle injury limited his availability, but his increased production signaled real growth. Despite this, questions about his long-term fit in Kerr’s system persist.
“I think the number one thing is that JK and I have a very good relationship,” Kerr said. “We talk all the time. We like each other… This is all just basketball.”
Yet even Kerr admitted that Kuminga might wonder if another team would give him more room to shine. “There’s got to be part of JK that thinks about going elsewhere… would he get more of an opportunity? And those are all very normal human emotions.”
And that’s the Warriors‘ tightrope walk: balancing loyalty to their aging stars with the need to evolve. Kuminga could be the bridge between eras, but only if both sides commit to the process.
Golden State‘s front office now faces a crucial offseason decision: double down on Kuminga’s development or risk repeating a cycle that’s driven out young talent before.
Because in today’s NBA, keeping a dynasty alive takes more than veterans and banners-it takes building a foundation that lasts beyond the next ring.
Read the full article here
