Noah Graham/NBAE through Getty Photos
The Golden State Warriors are shifting ahead Jonathan Kuminga to the bench Tuesday in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews.
Charania additionally provided some extra context alongside the transfer:
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
The Warriors are shifting F Jonathan Kuminga to bench tonight vs. Pelicans, sources inform me and @kendra__andrews. Intriguing growth in a fourth season when no extension was full for either side and group has mentioned setting him as much as take the subsequent step. pic.twitter.com/RxYOq3nuuj
Kuminga is getting into the final year of his contract and can enter restricted free company in 2025.
Danny Emerman of Bay Space Information Group obtained phrase from the 22-year-old in response to the transfer. He apparently hadn’t heard but from head coach Steve Kerr earlier than including extra remarks.
This is not the primary time Kuminga has had some points behind a benching. Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports activities Bay Space supplied perception final February:
“Kuminga was benched for the remaining 18 minutes of the Warriors’ 130-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4 at Chase Middle after scoring 16 factors in 18:57 on the court docket, a choice that did not sit effectively with Golden State followers and the previous lottery decide alike.
“The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the next day that Kuminga had “misplaced religion” in Kerr and that his benching in opposition to the Nuggets was “the straw that broke the camel’s again.”
“Sensing his younger star’s rising frustration, Kerr invited Kuminga into his workplace for a chat later that week, Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer reported in his newest characteristic story.”
It has been a tough three-game begin for Kuminga, who has averaged simply 8.0 factors on 33.3 p.c taking pictures in 19.7 minutes.
Kerr does not appear involved in regards to the begin, although.
Warriors on NBCS @NBCSWarriors
Steve Kerr spoke earlier than tonight’s recreation about Jonathan Kuminga’s play through the Warriors’ first three contests pic.twitter.com/EjOd7ZVGwp
Final yr, Kuminga loved an excellent season with 16.1 factors on 52.9 p.c taking pictures and 4.8 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per recreation. So clearly, he is able to higher play. And as Kerr mentioned, three video games is a small pattern dimension.
However nonetheless, it seems there may be some kind of challenge, given the best way Kuminga reacted and the obvious lack of communication on the matter. Golden State of Thoughts had this to say:
Golden State of Thoughts @unstoppablebaby
Kuminga needs to be OK together with his position altering, however the Warriors additionally have gotten to speak with their gamers earlier than they impart with the media. https://t.co/pqqNSn4Mqi
The choice to bench Kuminga can be an attention-grabbing one contemplating the Warriors had been shorthanded going into the evening sans Stephen Curry, De’Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins because of harm.
The Warriors began Curry, Wiggins, Kuminga, Draymond Inexperienced and Trayce Jackson-Davis for the primary three video games. That is who the group determined to roll with in opposition to the Pels:
Golden State Warriors @warriors
First 5⃣ pic.twitter.com/HknIG8TkKh
Golden State began the season 2-1, with wins in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers (140-104) and Utah Jazz (127-86) and a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers (112-104).
